European Union Association Agreement Research Articles

ESG criteria in green rebuilding of Ukraine

The historical retrospective of the construction industry shows a tendency to move to a qualitatively new level after crises and global upheaval. Global markets are currently being reformatted to reflect new investment priorities, where environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria are gaining essential importance, and Ukraine is at the center of global transformations. Ukraine's post-war reconstruction plans include the use of green innovative technologies, as the formation of a green economy is the basis of the European Union Association Agreement. The concept of "green recovery" has become widespread, as investments in low-carbon technologies strengthen the country's resilience. Implementation of green building principles saves resources and energy, stimulates innovation and competitiveness, and increases the confidence of investors and increasingly conscious consumers. Current international trends are moving towards global decarbonization of the world economy and the widespread implementation of ESG non-financial reporting standards to screen and increase transparency of business. The construction sector plays a key role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, given the significant economic, environmental and social impacts of the construction industry. The requirements for decarbonization, safety and well-being of buildings are growing, and the increasing volume and complexity of data requires new tools and approaches. The application of ESG principles involves the creation of long-term sustainable value in the interests of the company and its stakeholders. In the construction sector, ESG factors are crucial for determining the overall value and potential of a property, which helps investors to obtain more information for decision-making and risk assessment. The use of (ESG) indicators ensures transparency, objectivity and measurability of the company's performance. Businesses that demonstrate concrete commitments to sustainable development will become undisputed leaders in their industries in the next 30 years and will gain access to investment capital. On the other hand, companies that do not take care of compliance with international standards in a timely manner risk losing business in the medium term.

HOW THE EU ASSOCIATION AGREEMENT SHAPES UKRAINE'S FINANCIAL SERVICES MARKET REGULATION

This article delves into the impact of the European Union (EU) Association Agreement on Ukraine's financial services market regulation. The study examines how the harmonization of Ukrainian legislation with EU norms has shaped the financial services sector's development and integration into the European economic area. Research Objectives: The main objectives of this research are to analyze the extent to which Ukrainian legislation aligns with the acquis EU in the financial services domain and to identify the challenges and opportunities arising from this process. Additionally, the study aims to assess the implications of the EU Association Agreement on Ukraine's financial market stability, transparency, and regulatory oversight. Methodology: To achieve the research objectives, a comprehensive review of relevant literature, EU directives, and regulatory acts concerning financial services was conducted. The study also analyzed official documents related to Ukraine's adaptation to EU norms and the implementation of the Association Agreement. Furthermore, expert opinions and insights from prominent scholars in the field were considered to gain a deeper understanding of the subject. Findings: The analysis reveals that the EU Association Agreement has played a pivotal role in shaping Ukraine's financial services market regulation. The step-by-step adaptation of Ukrainian legislation to the acquis EU has fostered a more unified legal environment for market participants in both Ukraine and EU countries. Notably, the transfer of regulatory functions for the non-banking financial services market to the National Bank of Ukraine has enhanced overall financial stability and brought Ukraine's financial practices in line with international standards. However, certain limitations and restrictions in the cross-border provision of services persist, presenting challenges to fair competition and market access. Despite these hurdles, the successful implementation of the Comprehensive Program for the Development of the Financial Sector until 2020 has contributed to resolving economic issues and restoring macroeconomic stability in Ukraine. As Ukraine continues on its path towards deeper integration with the EU, ongoing efforts and reforms in the financial services market are essential to align with EU norms, foster cooperation, and attract more investments.

The Mercosur and European Union relationship: an analysis on the incorporation of the Association Agreement in Mercosur

This article analyses the Mercosur–European Union Association Agreement (AA) from a non-European perspective. It covers the Mercosur normative system, more specifically the part that deals with the incorporation of international laws and treaties into the regional legal system. First, it seeks to explain the nuances behind the announcement made by the States Parties to the AA in June 2019, seeking to contextualise the time frame for the development of the negotiations and the subsequent signing of the AA. Next, two important aspects for the effectiveness of the agreement are analysed: the procedure for incorporating the rules adopted by Mercosur Members, with reference to the provisions currently in force and applicable to Mercosur Members as a result of the agreements signed by them; and the difficulties associated with the procedure. Finally, the pillars on which the negotiations were initially conducted are discussed, with special attention to political dialogue, trade and cooperation, and the sustainable development considerations that are present in the AA. By adopting a non-European perspective, this article presents the issues related to Mercosur’s internal normative system for the incorporation of international norms and regulations, that is, the agreement itself, and the procedure for its entry into force and possible obstacles to its implementation. It is concluded that, despite all the efforts made to finalise the negotiations, there is a clear and indisputable uncertainty regarding the effective application of the agreement.

სამართალდარღვევის ფაქტის არარსებობის დადგენა, როგორც მორალური ზიანის ანაზღაურების საფუძველი

The current Georgian Code of Administrative Offenses, was adopted almost four decades ago in 1984, during the Soviet period. The aforementioned Code, can be considered as a law that restricts human freedom. With regard to the need of immediate changes in Code the agreement has been reached among various actors, including the state representatives’, as well as non-governmental organizations and International organization. However, there is no consensus about what needs to be changed. Since 1992, a number of changes has been made in the Code, especially, with regard to articles given in private section however, none of these amendments aimed at establishing new system for Georgian Code of Administrative Offenses. Thus, the current version of the Code is based on the ideology of Soviet law and therefore fails to satisfy the requirements of a modern legal and democratic state. The gradual legal reforms in the state, namely the adoption of the Constitution, The Code of Administrative law (general and procedural), the ratification of the European Convention on Human Rights and more significantly, the need for harmonization of the law that derives from Georgian and European Union Association Agreement, makes it more visible that the Georgian Code of Administrative Offenses requires urgent amendments. This law is often criticized by International Organizations, which is a proof that reforms are needed.

Modernization and development of the business environment through the implementation of the provisions of the Republic of Moldova – European Union Association Agreement

In this article, the author reflects the ways to develop and modernize the business environment in the Republic of Moldova through the provisions of the Association Agreement with the European Union, which includes not only engagements but also creates opportunities of development, taking into account the economical and political situation in the country.

Behind the Scenes: EU Accession Challenges

The enlargement of the European Union (EU) in 2004, or the “fifth” enlargement, when Latvia also became a member, involved quite possibly the most ambitious transformation of legal thinking, the legal system and public administration throughout the recent history of Europe. The formal framework of the enlargement consisted of relatively standard EU association agreements. However, the internal political and legal processes in the candidate countries, including Latvia, were not considered to be unequivocally stable. Swift and irrevocable progress in implementing EU law was therefore significant. The process was complicated by the fact that the presence and application of international agreements in Latvia was not particularly widespread at the time. The complicated legislative procedures, the small number of professionals permanently involved in this work and politicised debates also significantly slowed the process of law-making, whose aim, in turn, was to form the basis for the stable transformation of the Latvian legal system. This Chapter highlights the most important political and organisational challenges of the EU’s decade of integration (1995–2005) and their solutions, the individual challenges connected to transposition of EU legislation and, most significantly, the impact of integration on the transformation of legal thinking and case law in Latvia.

The battle to increase tobacco taxes: Lessons from Philippines and Ukraine

IntroductionWhile increasing taxes on tobacco is one of the most effective tobacco control measures, its adoption has been slow compared to other tobacco control policies. Given this, there is an urgent need to better understand the political and economic dynamics that lead to its adoption despite immense tobacco industry opposition. The primary aim of this study is to explore the process, actors, and determinants that helped lead to the successful passage of the 2012 Sin Tax Reform Law in the Philippines and the 2017 seven-year plan for tobacco tax increases in Ukraine. Method: Under the guidance of the Advocacy Coalition Framework, we used a case study approach gathering data from key informant interviews (n = 37) and documents (n = 56). Subsequently, cross-case analysis was undertaken to identify themes across the two cases. Results: We found that external events in the Philippines and Ukraine triggered policy subsystem instability and tipped the scale in the favor of tobacco tax proponents. In the Philippines, elections brought forth a new leader in 2010 who was keen to achieve universal health care and improve tax collection efficiency. In Ukraine, the European Union Association Agreement came into force in 2017 and included the Tobacco Products Directive requiring Ukraine to synchronize its excise taxes to that of the European Union. Exploiting these key entry points, tobacco tax proponents formed a multi-sectoral coalition and used a multi-pronged approach. In both countries, respected economic groups and experts who could generate timely evidence were present and used local as well as international data to counter opponents who also used an array of strategies to water down the tax policies. Conclusions: Findings are largely consistent with the Advocacy Coalition Framework and suggest the need for tobacco tax proponents to 1) form a multi-sectoral coalition, 2) include respected economic groups and experts who can generate timely evidence, 3) use both local data and international experiences, and 4) undertake a multi-pronged approach.

MODERN PARADIGM OF NATIONAL INTERESTS PROMOTING IN FOREIGN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY OF SLOVAKIA

The aggravation of competition processes in international economic relations leads to the fact that individual business entities do not have the opportunity to effectively represent themselves abroad. In such circumstances, the importance of state support and promotion of national interests abroad significantly increases. The purpose of the article is to explore and analyse the practice of economic diplomacy in Slovakia from the point of view of an impartial researcher, aimed at improving the national system for promoting national interests abroad. To achieve this goal, the research is focused on following tasks: to consider and analyse the main trends in the formation and development of economic diplomacy in Slovakia, to perform a brief analysis of the practice of foreign economic activity in Slovakia, highlighting its main positive and negative aspects; to summarize the main strengths of the Slovak system of promoting national interests abroad in order to recommend them for use in the practice of other countries, in particular Ukraine. Methodology. In the process of preparation the article, methods of scientific abstraction, observation, synthesis, generalization, as well as statistical and economic methods were used to determine the effectiveness of Slovak foreign economic activity and the influence of the state on it. The information and analytical base for the study includes the regulatory framework of the European Union and the Slovak Republic, materials and analytical reports of international organizations dealing with the considerate issues (UNCTAD, WTO, World Bank), regulatory and statistical data of Slovak state authorities, the results of research by modern scientists from different countries. The results of the study show that the economic diplomacy of the Slovak Republic within the framework of its EU membership is an important tool for the success of the country’s foreign economic policy, ensuring its export expansion in international markets and intensive investment cooperation with foreign investors. Particularly remarkable is the current practice of staffing institutions of economic diplomacy in Slovakia, which is based on qualified training of economic diplomats within the framework of a full-fledged university programmes. In the prospect professional support for the structures of Slovak economic diplomacy and its personnel, professional, structural and financial support from the Ministry of economy becomes a requirement. The practical implications of the scientific research is to find out the current state of economic diplomacy mechanisms in individual European countries, trends in their development and potential consequences for the economic potential of other states (in particular, Ukraine) based on the introduction of effective mechanisms for promoting national interests abroad. Value/originality. The mechanisms and practices of promoting Slovakia’s foreign economic activity in foreign economic relations deserve the attention of the relevant state structures of Ukraine regarding the unification of regulatory standards and the formation of appropriate mechanisms for protecting national interests, including in the context of the implementation of the Ukraine–European Union Association Agreement. In addition, this study has significant potential for further consideration in subsequent scientific publications.

FORMATION OF INNOVATIVE ECONOMY OF UKRAINE IN THE CONTEXT OF EUROPEAN UNION ASSOCIATION AGREEMENT

This study is devoted to the problem of the formation of Ukraine’s innovative economy in the context of a European Union Association Agreement. The main objective of the article is to study the consequences of the signing of Association Agreements between Ukraine and the EU, to identify the benefits and problems, and to propose promising directions of such cooperation in the context of the formation of the innovative economy of Ukraine. The research methodology is based on foreign and Ukrainian scientific literature and statistical data analysis (within the last five years) to show collaboration between the EU and Ukraine. The priority directions of such collaboration areas are such as the introduction of the all-embracing implementation strategy, sponsorship system’s creation of Ukrainian exports to the EU, a stimulation of development of innovations within the framework of realization of the international programs, the introduction of certification norms and standardization of products in Ukraine and others. The results of the study can be useful for scholars, ministries, institutions that are engaged in this range of issues.

Development of export policy of forest resources trade in the conditions of European integration

Introduction. The problem of Ukraine's economic development in modern conditions is directly related to the implementation of the Ukraine–European Union Association Agreement, so the national economy is facing new opportunities and challenges, including the lack of effective mechanisms to restrict timber exports. The research aimed at assessing the effectiveness of the export bans to the EU.
 Aim and tasks. The aim of the paper is to study the mechanisms of regulation of the timber market and their export to the EU.
 Results. The impact of the imposed moratorium on the declared goals is analyzed in the paper. Analyzed statistics show no effect moratorium on the reduction of deforestation and halt exports of unprocessed timber. It is also impossible to make a clear conclusion about the positive impact of the moratorium on the supply of raw materials of domestic enterprises woodworking and furniture industries. However, within the structure of Ukrainian exports, the share of products of woodworking and furniture industries has increased. This was due to the reduction of Ukrainian export volumes against the background of increasing the share of exports of timber and wood products, as well as the resumption of sales of the furniture industry.
 Conclusions. A study of the ban on raw wood showed that in general, the effect of the moratorium imposed is not obvious, since the number of woodworking enterprises has increased and the level of employment in these sectors has increased. Ukraine requires the adoption of a comprehensive targeted program that would combine measures to develop both the woodworking and forest industries. The national interest of Ukraine is the preservation and restoration of forests, and the moratorium introduced is an example of how partial, fragmentary unsystematic decisions are made. The practical significance of the results allows to analyze existing and find new alternative export balance, ensuring equal opportunities and non-discrimination between domestic and European Union market.

New media and strategic narratives: the Dutch referendum on Ukraine – EU Association Agreement in Ukrainian and Russian Internet blogs

ABSTRACTThis article analyses two confronting narratives authored by Ukrainian and Russian bloggers who reported the Dutch referendum held on 6 March 2016, and discussed Dutch citizens’ referendum vote on the Ukraine–EU Association Agreement. The considered narratives, addressed to the Ukrainian and Russian audiences respectively, are viewed as strategic because they specifically portray political actors of the referendum “drama” – the Netherlands, the European Union (EU), Ukraine and Russia. These actors are significant participants of European international relations, and their perceptions of one another are important for European security at the present time of critical diplomacy. In this paper, information about the DUTCH REFERENDUM obtained from the new media texts is regarded as a narrative-based political concept (NBPC). It is argued that this concept has different versions, or images that reflect the narrators’ biased perceptions imposed upon the public. Identification and comparison of such images require a particular methodology. Therefore, the objective of this paper is two-fold: to expose the two confronting versions of a strategically relevant political image, and to develop an authentic, interdisciplinary methodology for its analysis. The proposed methodology is informed by the ontology theory employed in cognitive science and cognitive linguistics.

Угода про асоціацію України з Європейським Союзом як платформа для вдосконалення відносин орендного землекористування в сфері охорони земель

Угода про асоціацію України з Європейським Союзом як платформа для вдосконалення відносин орендного землекористування в сфері охорони земель

Виконання Україною зобов’язань з питань забезпечення водними ресурсами населення за міжнародними договорами та в рамках Угоди про асоціацію з Європейським Союзом

Виконання Україною зобов’язань з питань забезпечення водними ресурсами населення за міжнародними договорами та в рамках Угоди про асоціацію з Європейським Союзом

Забезпечення дотримання екологічних прав людини в контексті виконання зобов’язань за Угодою про асоціацію між Україною та Європейським Союзом

Забезпечення дотримання екологічних прав людини в контексті виконання зобов’язань за Угодою про асоціацію між Україною та Європейським Союзом

PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF DEEPENING EU-UKRAINIAN RELATIONS

Three countries: Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine have concluded European Union Association Agreements, under similar terms and conditions of European Partnership. Analytical review allowed determining that in their political integrative development, they have similar problems and ways to overcome them. They are distinguished by a relatively high level of democratic freedoms and political pluralism; however, none of them can be considered as a consolidated democracy, these countries have hybrid political regimes. Among the main obstacles occurring on the way of their integration processes, one can distinguish problems associated with ethical, regional, and cultural conflicts; specific features of the formation of constitutional systems; features of the formation of PR technologies of government and society; deep-rooted corruption and influence of oligarchs in party systems and, as a consequence, propensity to use non-constitutional means of political struggle and economic development. Despite these structural problems, favouring European values and norms demonstrated by societies of the three countries holds the promise of consolidating democratic institutions and overcoming problems. The purpose of the article is to determine problems and prospects of deepening relations of the EU with three countries: Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia, and to substantiate theses stating that consistent and reinforced integration of the European Union in this region is crucial for further success and development of all actors of this process. Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine do not compose a single region (both in a geographical and economic context); however, since 2014 they are developing according to the same scenarios. Their aspiration to integration has provoked problems in relations with Russia and intensified opposition to the policy of Europeanisation within the countries. In Ukraine, the most difficult and severe events took place: it passed through government overthrow, loss of territory, and military actions in Donbas caused by Russia, which continue to this day. For Moldova and Georgia, the choice of democratic imperatives also had grave consequences. In Georgia, they were identified as two long-term wars for the separation in Abkhazia and South Ossetia; ended with the defeat of central authorities and creation of two unrecognized states. Moldova has faced a similar problem in Transnistria in 1992. In all countries, Russian armed forces were important actors who played an important role in determining the results of these conflicts. According to the Democracy Index, Moldova is evaluated as “imperfect democracy”; Georgia – as “hybrid regime”; Ukraine has moved below, from the category of “imperfect democracy” to the lowest “hybrid regime”. Over the political pressure of Russia, the EU and Ukraine postpone the provisional application of the DCFTA (Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area) to January 1, 2019. There are marked positive consequences of Ukrainian export to the EU, which volume has increased by 30% in 2017. The structure of exports to the EU has shifted towards machines and equipment, fats and oils of vegetable or animal origin, ready-made meals, and products of animal origin. The EU share in Ukrainian exports and imports has also increased due to a significant reduction in trade with Russia. The application of the EU tariff quotas for agricultural production has increased over the 2014–2017 years because Ukrainian producers have gradually overcome the problems with food safety and weak demand for their production. European choice is an extremely important factor for continuous democratization of all these three countries. In spite of competition among European and Eurasian identities, each of them considers itself a European country. The choice to continue the path of association with Europe, made by these countries, despite obvious political risks (especially severe for Ukraine), is the best evidence of their real adherence to European development path.

Асоціація Україна-ЄС: політичні загрози та економічні можливості.

Ukraine–European Union Association Agreement defined a new, unique form of cooperation between parties. This very important document had shown the importance not only for Ukraine’s aspiration to become a part of the European Community, but also demonstrated readiness of the EU to accept Ukraine as a state that is a part Europe. The process of signing the Association Agreement was not easy and ended successfully only from the second attempt. Signature and ratification of the Association Agreement was delayed by a number of events: Ukraine’s rejection to sign the Agreement in Vilnius (2013), the Maidan revolution events, escalation of the situation in Crimea and Donbass, Presidential elections, and Nederland’s referendum. As of today, the Agreement is considered to be the biggest normative legal act in history of the EU and Ukraine. Most experts are analyzing The Association Agreement from the economic point of view. Indeed, economic part is one of the major parts of this document. However, its realization on the ground is impossible without political cooperation. This article focuses on the political part of the Agreement. The purpose of this paper is to explore the story of the Association Agreements between the EU and other states. The article defines the unique features of the Ukraine–EU Association Agreement, analyses changes during implementation, threats and prospects for further Agreement implementation. We conclude that there are internal and external reasons for complications in Agreement implementation. For Ukraine this Agreement is not only about standards, principals and values, but also about international standing and ability to prove strangeness in the geopolitical arena. Implementation of the Agreement is a huge step for the «European future». But, we need to understand that such changes should be carefully weighted. Ukraine must save sovereignty, independence and an ability to defend its interests.

10 Years of Eastern Partnership: The Scenarios for the Further Development of the Initiative and the EU Eastern Neighbourhood Policy

The article suggests that ten years after the Eastern Partnership initiative was founded, its format and structure do not allow to draw full potential of the states that seek European Union membership. The author emphasizes that the change in the EU’s approach to the Eastern Partnership countries will make it possible to ensure the accomplishment of the fundamental mission of the European Neighbourhood Policy, namely peace and prosperity in the region. The European Union has already done quite a lot in this regard. Expanding the EU’s social rights as part of the Europeanization process will provide a more stable and favourable environment in the Eastern Partnership countries and reduce migration flows therefrom. The main efforts of the European Union and Eastern Partnership countries in the near future will be focused on solving domestic political, social and economic problems. In this case, Ukraine and the region as a whole will appear on the European Union agenda in terms of security issues. The biggest success story of the European Union is its enlargement policy, which can force enemies to negotiate and find a compromise, as well as motivate political leaders to take risks for the implementation of European integration reforms. This policy does not apply to Eastern Partnership countries. The author concludes that the neighbourhood policy has already exhausted its potential, and in order for the dialogue within the Eastern partnership not to descend to the solution of technical issues of the European Union Association Agreements implementation, it is necessary to offer an attractive model of cooperation that would provide support for pro-European reforms in the Eastern Partnership countries. Keywords: European Union, Eastern Partnership, politics, bilateral dialogue.

ЄВРОПЕЙЗАЦІЯ ВИКОНАВЧОЇ ВЛАДИ УКРАЇНИ(Уроки держав Центральної та Східної Європи -членів ЄС)

The article addresses main OECD SIGMA recommendations regarding national European Union (EU) policy co-ordination in Ukraine and provides relevant lessons from Latvia and other EU Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) Member States in addressing similar challenges from the EU pre-accession and post-accession experience. Efficiency of a national policy co-ordination is one of the core determinants to succeed europeanization of a national core executive power and further integration with the EU. The OECD SIGMA Baseline Measurement Assessment Report on Principles of Public Administration in Ukraine published in June 2018 reveals important concerns in steering and co-ordination of some reform initiatives, overlapping competences of public bodies in co-ordinating policy planning and implementation monitoring of the Government’s performance in public sector reforms. Effective implementation of national reforms is vital also in the terms of implementation of the Ukraine–EU Association Agreement (AA) that entered into force on September 1, 2017 and Actual problems of international relations. Release 140. 2019 16 requires a high level of coordination in the Ukrainian government. Relevant national EU policy co-ordination experience of the EU CEE Member States is revisited as a possible lesson for Ukraine in implementation of essential structural reforms on the national level. Key words: europeanization, Association Agreement, principles of public administration, national policy co-ordination, policy planning

The dynamics of EU attitudes and their effects on voting

In referendums on issues of European integration, it is often unclear how important attitudes toward Europe are and whether these attitudes change during the campaign. Extant research showing the importance of EU attitudes particularly in salient and contested referendums has often had to rely on static data and limited conceptualizations of EU attitudes. This potentially underestimates the role of (different types of) EU attitudes and hampers the ability to assess the dynamics of them. For the analysis of dynamics in EU attitudes, we mainly rely on pre- and post-waves for the Dutch Ukraine–European Union Association Agreement referendum, which extends a panel study leading back to the EP14 elections. This allows us to assess both long-term changes of EU attitudes since the last EP elections and also during the referendum campaign. We examine the effect of campaign-induced attitude changes for the referendum vote, while controlling for other relevant determinants. Our findings first show significant changes in EU attitudes during the referendum campaign, and second, highlight the relevance of some of these changes for the referendum vote. Both strengthening and especially emotional attitudes play respective significant roles, with the latter being in part dependent on media exposure.

The EU Stabilisation and Association Agreement for the Western Balkans: Between Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract The role of the European Union (EU) trade liberalisation with the four Western Balkan countres — namely Kosovo, Montenegro, Albania, and Macedonia — is overestimated, as major benefits could be expected mainly from institutional reforms rather than trade creation and economic perspective due to low economic development and a lack of comparative advantages in these countries1. The core issue to be addressed in this article is whether these firms can exploit the opportunities arising from the EU integration process. The aim of this article is to confirm the hypothesis that the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) and trade agreements in the Western Balkans are not sufficient pre-conditions for successful performance and increase of exports by local firms; the main focus should be on the internal performance of firms. The paper analyses and compares the data collected by surveys conducted with local firms in Kosovo in order to measure the impact of the SAA. Finally, the article suggests that in the short and medium run the SAA could support and improve the quality of products, technical standards, and firm competitiveness as a pre-condition for better access to the EU market in the long run.