European Union Countries Research Articles

Financial technology and financial capability: Study of the European Union

Enhancing household financial capability is important for mitigating severe economic challenges. In the European Union (EU), financial technology (FinTech) solutions are considered critical for managing household finance, but their role in enhancing financial capability is ambiguous. Herein, we measure financial capability in the EU and investigate the effect of FinTech using three waves of panel data from Global Findex (2014, 2017, and 2021) and Eurostat Databases. According to the analyses, EU countries vary greatly in terms of FinTech and financial capability, with countries in the Union's north scoring remarkably high. Results emphasize a considerable effect of FinTech on financial capability and highlight an increase in the latter when the Human Development Index increases. Practical guidelines for measuring financial capability are also presented to assist countries that require additional efforts to effectively address financial capability challenges.

A CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR IN TURKEY IN TERMS OF SUSTAINABILITY

The construction sector is of critical importance for economic growth and employment creation. However, it also has significant environmental impacts, including high energy consumption, extensive use of natural resources, and substantial waste production. Currently, the construction sector in Turkey accounts for 35% of the country’s total energy consumption, making it a significant energy consumer. Research conducted in European Union countries indicates that buildings are responsible for 40% of total energy consumption and 36% of total CO2 emissions. It is believed that a similar situation exists in Turkey. Furthermore, the long lifespan of structures built in the sector is of great importance for sustainability. The contribution of poor-quality and unhealthy structures to environmental stress further highlights the role of the construction sector in sustainability. The study addresses the impacts of strategic goals such as the design and construction of sustainable building models, the recyclability and reuse of building materials, energy efficiency, and the reduction of CO2 emissions on the construction sector. The findings indicate that the integration of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies is crucial for the Turkish construction sector to move towards a sustainable future. In this context, it is recommended that the Turkish construction sector implement the necessary steps and engage in strategic planning in order to achieve its sustainability goals. The findings of the study emphasise the pivotal role and significance of the construction sector in this regard.

Could tourism investments influence financial inclusion in the European Union countries?

ABSTRACT This investigation approaches the bidirectional relationship between tourism investments and financial inclusion. Principal component analysis was employed to obtain the financial inclusion index, and the panel vector autoregressive model was applied to analyze a panel of 25 European Union countries from 2005 to 2020. The empirical findings indicate a bidirectional and negative relationship between tourism capital investment and financial inclusion. Additionally, the outcomes reveal that both tourism capital investment and ICT diffusion positively affect economic growth and that financial inclusion negatively affects the economic growth of EU countries. In turn, economic growth promotes financial inclusion. Furthermore, financial inclusion enhances ICT dissemination, while tourism capital investment is linked to decreased ICT expansion. These outcomes indicate that policymakers and financial institutions must navigate this intricate landscape, devising strategies that bolster financial inclusion and support the tourism sector rejuvenation, recognizing the pivotal role both play in fostering a resilient and inclusive economy.

Navigating the Geopolitical Tightrope: The Complex Dynamics of Sino-EU Relations in a Shifting World Order

In recent years, a discernible shift has occurred in the European Union's (EU) stance and policies towards China, prompted by a confluence of crises including different interpretation of human rights concept, the conflict between Ukraine and Russia as well as Sino-US tensions. Meanwhile, many European Union (EU) countries express skepticism about China's Belt and Road Initiative (the BRI), perceiving it as a potential threat to their national interests. In the event of a confrontation between the US and China, the EU is gradually inclined to align itself with the US. Despite its economic prowess, the EU, as a collective entity, is viewed as strategically limited when dealing with China, resorting mainly to technology and commercial restrictions. The EU finds itself walking a delicate line, leveraging its economic strength yet recognizing its strategic constraints in addressing the multifaceted relationship with China. In light of these developments, this article seeks to analyze the evolving dynamics of Sino-EU relations, leading to an inherently unstable partnership.

Effect of using households' information and communication technology on CO2 emissions-empirical evidence of the city of Novi Sad.

Globally, the carbon footprint (CF) is constantly increasing, contrasting with the decreasing trend observed for decades in the European Union (EU) countries, where EU guidelines are responsibly followed and outlined in its strategic documents. Information and communication technology (ICT) carbon emissions have historically increased in parallel with global emissions, contributing to continuous increases in ICT's CF over time, even when excluding full life cycle emissions. This study examines the impact of ICT on household electricity consumption, aiming to quantify the potential reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through improved household energy efficiency. The methodology includes the data collection on ICT device usage in households within the city of Novi Sad (Republic of Serbia), employing the survey method that queries respondents on device quantities and their usage patterns. This study provides results for decision-makers to recognize concrete benefits from the transition to a circular economy (CE) and low-carbon emissions, which are reflected as benefits for the local community and socio-economic environment.

Determination of the minimum number of periods for assessing the sustainable development indices of the EU countries using the methods of ordinal statistics

The subject matter of the article is the process of assessing the sustainable development indices of the European Union countries. The goal of the article is to develop a methodology for determining the number of periods for which it is necessary and sufficient to assess the sustainable development indices of states. The article results the following task: to develop a methodology for determining the law of distribution of random variables of sustainable development indices. Determination of the minimum number of periods for assessing the sustainable development indices of the European Union countries. Methods used: parametric and ordinal statistics. The following results are obtained: parametric and non-parametric methods of statistics, their advantages and disadvantages are considered. Various methods of estimating the distribution function for small samples, in particular the method of rectangular contributions and the method of uncertainty reduction are analysed. Particular attention is paid to the problem of changing the law of scattering of quality indicators when changing the conditions of technology. A graph-analytical method for identifying the law of distribution of random variables based on a small amount of statistical information is proposed. For this purpose, the theory of ordinal statistics was used. A step-by-step methodology for identifying the law of distribution of random variables using 10 ordered values has been developed. The mathematical expectations of ordinal statistics for three distribution laws are proposed. A methodology for determining the number of periods for assessing the indices of sustainable development of countries using ordinal statistics is developed. The study is based on the analysis of statistical data for the last ten years and their ordering in ascending order. The mathematical expectations of ordinal statistics are used to select appropriate distribution laws. Given the limited information available when working with small samples, the article proposes a methodology that allows obtaining the maximum amount of information from the available data. The developed approach makes it possible to take into account the uncertainty of the phenomenon under study and make informed decisions based on statistical analysis. Conclusions: based on the knowledge of the law of distribution, a methodology for determining the minimum number of periods for assessing the sustainable development indices of the European Union countries is proposed. Testing of the methodology on real numerical data has confirmed that the minimum number of periods is seven, provided that the distribution law follows the normal law.

Does Climate Change and Energy Consumption Affect the Food Security of European Union Countries? Empirical Evidence from a Panel Study

This study aims to provide empirical evidence on whether using renewable and non-renewable energy, CO2 emissions, and the resulting changes in temperature and precipitation can alter cereal yields in European Union countries. To this end, a panel data set covering 1992–2021 has been used to analyse the impact of climate change and economic factors on cereal production in European Union countries. The study employed various analytical techniques to better understand the impact of climate change and economic factors on cereal crop yields. These included using annual average temperature and rainfall to measure climate change, energy consumption, and economic growth to analyse the economic aspects. To achieve the objective, feasible generalised least squares (FGLS) models with robust standard errors and bootstrap and a quantile regression (QR) model with marginal analysis were employed. The Westerlund cointegration test confirmed the presence of cointegration between cereal production and climate variables, economic growth, and energy consumption. The results indicate that increases in temperature and precipitation may contribute to increased cereal production in European Union countries. In contrast, energy consumption, including renewable energy and CO2 emissions, may have a nonlinear effect on cereal production. Quantile regression analysis suggests climate change may impact crop yields most in countries with low and moderate cereal production per hectare. Increased CO2 emissions may increase yields in the initial period, but excessive CO2 may negatively impact cereal production in the long term. It would be advisable for countries with low and moderate crop productivity to consider implementing technological advances and combating global warming by modernising cultivation methods and making greater use of renewable energy sources.

Resilience dimensions in health system performance assessments, European Union.

To explore the definition and operationalization of resilience in health system performance assessments in European Union countries. We conducted multiple empirical case study analyses. We identified relevant cases through a literature review from 2014 to 2023 using Google Scholar and through a snowball technique to retrieve additional information. We included only documents that explicitly mentioned resilience in health system performance assessments. We performed a content analysis to identify common patterns in defining resilience. The final sample consisted of six countries: Belgium, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Ireland and Italy. Each country adopted a distinct approach to conceptualizing resilience, with countries prioritizing specific aspects based on lessons learnt from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Some countries focused on maintaining essential health-care services and protecting vulnerable groups. Other countries prioritized management capacity, staff preparedness, digital health utilization and strengthening of primary health care. Content analysis revealed six resilience definitions derived from the key performance indicators: addressing unmet needs and maintaining outcomes; protecting vulnerable groups; acquiring and using resources; having trained and prepared staff in place; using digital health; and strengthening primary health care. Integration of resilience into the health profiles of European Union countries preceded its inclusion in national health system performance assessments, the latter of which became more prominent after the COVID-19 pandemic. Variations in interpretations within health system performance assessments reflect differences in indicators and policy responses.

The Nature of Culture: Rites of Interaction Between Ukrainian Refugees and Latvian Society (2022)

The article deals with the challenge in migration studies to find a solution to the problem of how to analyse the rapidly emerging and increasing immigration of Ukraine war refugees, which started in 2022 in Latvia as well as in other European Union countries. This topic is important in migration studies to provide national and municipal decision-makers with a scientific perspective and rationale for informed decisions. In Latvia, the humanities, including philosophy, have not yet been used to understand migration processes, although they do supply a wider context, which is necessary to understand the culture, attitudes, values, and peculiarities of an immigration group. The task of integrating and including the immigrant group presupposes knowledge and recognition of its uniqueness, which is best researched with the methods of the humanities, and significantly complements the approaches of economics, sociology and human geography. Thus, the research presented in this article uses a wide range of social science research findings, ritual phenomenology, topological hermeneutics, and solutions from micro-group sociology as data sources to complement the understanding of migration as an object with a perspective that also includes human experience and the intersubjective space in which people meet to create community. The objective of the study is to explore the research hypothesis, based on previous studies and daily observations, that a new social reality is emerging that can be called the newly emerged community of Ukraine in Latvia. This means that communication and reciprocity between most of Latvian society and refugees from the Ukrainian war has been, and is being, established. The article analyses to what extent Latvian society was ready for the reception and inclusion of refugees from the Ukrainian war; how the inclusion of the concept of place can help to address the issue of the formation of new communities; how rituals reveal a new step towards the creation of communion on both sides of the newly formed community; and how rituals and interactivity interact in rituals involving micro-groups and micro-group forming rituals. Thus, factors affecting the genesis of the Ukraine in Latvia community were discovered in the analysis of the interactive rituals that confirm the existence of a social reality aimed at integration and inclusion. Thus, the study reveals the perspectives on the use of resources rooted in culture at the national and municipal levels.

The media coverage of the European Union and the extreme right. A comparative study between Spain, France, and Italy

The parliamentary representation of far-right political parties is growing in several European Union countries, particularly after the Great Recession. This has increased the media attention they receive. These parties share eurosceptic positions or question the idea of European integration, but does their rise alter public discussion on the European Union? Using a quantitative content analysis (N=974) conducted in 6 media outlets: El País and El Mundo (Spain), Le Monde and Le Figaro (France), and Corriere della Sera and La Repubblica (Italy), the research describes and compares media coverage on issues related to the European Union before and after the Great Recession and how the rise of the far-right has affected the European public sphere. The results indicate that public discussion about the European Union is in decline and that national and top-down Europeanisation approaches are on the rise, coinciding with increased coverage of the far-right.

Kraje Unii Europejskiej a ubóstwo, przed i po kryzysie COVID-19

The purpose of the paper is to evaluate and present the position of the European Union countries according to the poverty level before and after the COVID-19 crisis, combining five individual indicators. The GRA (Grey Relational Analysis) method was used to calculate the composite poverty indicator. To assess poverty, the study uses criteria from the official database of the European Commission and calculates the aggregate index for 2019 and 2022. All criteria in the model have the same relative importance because the method of equal weight coefficients is applied. The paper proved that the Czech Republic and Slovenia had the most favourable indicators of poverty in both periods, while Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, and Latvia occupied a critical position. In general, the countries of Southern Europe and the Baltic countries have poor poverty indicators. Compared to 2019, according to the country rankings, the poverty level is significantly higher in Finland, Germany, and Hungary, while after the pandemic, the following countries made considerable progress in reducing poverty: Poland, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Cyprus. The presented results can be useful to decision-makers at the macro level in the field of economic, social, and sustainable development policy.

The Economic Role of Technology in International Trade: Theory and Practice in the Trade War

Scientific purpose. The aim of the article is to analyze the impact of technological changes and restrictions on the freedom of technology transfer in the contemporary world economy on international trade in the context of the trade conflict between the United States and China. Research process and methods. Interrelationships between the role of technological changes and trade, the issue of monopoly rent resulting from the technological advantage of some countries, were examined on the basis of the theory of international trade (Ricardian model, Heckscher-Ohlin) and subsequent theories, in particular the approach of Posner, Krugman, Melitz. To analyze the problem of technology transfer limitations in the modern world economy, mainly due to China's trade practices, a quantitative and qualitative method was used as well as a review of statistics of international trade in high-tech goods. Foreign direct investment in China was conditioned by the transfer of knowledge and advanced technologies from the United States. Scientific analysis results. Technological changes and the spread of technology as a result of the intensification of international trade are associated with a specific impact on the benefits and losses for the state with a technological advantage as a result of the phenomenon of "learning by doing". To examine the economic effects of the growing importance of technology in international trade, the theoretical and empirical approach to analyzing the demand in selected countries, including the United States, European Union countries, Japan and China, for the level of employment and wages of highly qualified labor force was used. Conclusions, innovations, recommendations. Further research should cover issues related to the influence of states on supporting the development of advanced technologies, which is associated with specific dilemmas regarding the shaping of international trade flows and the impact on the level of wages in the economy.

Solutions limiting the use of antibiotics in poultry production in Poland and other European Union countries

Solutions limiting the use of antibiotics in poultry production in Poland and other European Union countries

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY IN THE EU: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF BEST PRACTICES

Clinical psychology plays a vital role in promoting mental health and well-being across the European Union (EU). With diverse cultural, social, and systemic contexts, understanding the best practices in clinical psychology is crucial for improving mental health care services. This article provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of clinical psychology practices across various EU member states, highlighting effective methodologies, training standards, and systemic frameworks. The primary aim of this article is to explore and evaluate the therapeutic approaches, training and professional development standards, and systemic frameworks utilized in clinical psychology across different EU countries. By identifying and comparing these practices, the article seeks to highlight the most effective methods and propose recommendations for enhancing mental health care in the region. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, including a thorough literature review, structured surveys, and semi-structured interviews with clinical psychologists, policymakers, and experts from various EU member states. Additionally, case studies from selected countries provide detailed insights into practical applications and outcomes. Quantitative data is analyzed using statistical methods, while qualitative data is interpreted through thematic analysis. The analysis reveals significant variation in therapeutic approaches, with the UK and Germany emphasizing evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), while Sweden focuses on preventive strategies and public health integration. Training and professional development standards are most rigorous in Germany and the UK, ensuring high-quality practice. The Netherlands and Italy showcase the benefits of innovative and community-based care models. Overall, countries with robust mental health policies and integrated care systems tend to achieve better clinical outcomes. The findings underscore the importance of adopting evidence-based practices, enhancing training standards, and fostering therapeutic diversity to address complex mental health issues. Cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange among EU member states can further refine and harmonize clinical psychology practices.

Satisfaction with housing: Comparative analysis of the European Union countries

Satisfaction with housing: Comparative analysis of the European Union countries

The role of inflation in shaping changes in the employment rate: evidence from EU

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The objective of the article is to empirically verify the fundamental relationship implied by the Phillips curve: the relationship between the dynamics of employment and inflation in selected European Union countries. THE RESEARCH PROBLEMS AND METHODS: The research problem is to find out what effect inflation has on the evolution of the employment rate. The study was based on the scoping method used in the literature review. The empirical analysis used the distance-weighted least squares method and neural network analysis. THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: The first part examines the literature on the relationship between inflation and the employment rate. This is followed by an analysis that identifies the role of inflation on the employment rate in selected European Union countries. RESEARCH RESULTS: Our research has shown that changes in inflation can contribute to explaining the formation of employment in examined European countries. At the same time, the analysis revealed that the impact of inflation on the employment rate is relatively low. CONCLUSIONS, INNOVATIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The implications of the Phillips curve with regard to the relationship between inflation and the labour market are present. However, the relationship itself described is relatively weak with regard to other factors. The labour market in the European Union is multi-dimensional and is shaped by a number of factors.

Exploratory Assessment of the European Union Contries’ Climatic Profile

The paper subscribes to the broad strand of literature that examines the inter- play between banking activity and climate risk, by particularly focusing on identifying and classifying European Union countries into similar, homogenous groups based on their intrin- sic pattern related to climate vulnerability and readiness to cope with the negative effects of natural disasters. By applying an unsupervised learning clustering algorithm on a novel input dataset comprising six proxy indicators for the physical risk associated with climate challenges, we reveal the climate profile of the EU countries. A direct implication of our findings consists of ascertaining which banking systems are more exposed to environmen- tal risks arising from physical sources in the home country they headquarter or in the host countries envisaged for the conduct of transnational financial activity. Results indicate that the least vulnerable EU countries to physical risks, being at the same time best performers in the process of climate risk adaptation, prevention, and management are Denmark, Lux- embourg, Germany, Sweden, and Finland. Hence, their banking systems are less exposed to the adverse consequences of the physical risks. In contrast, banks operating in Bulgaria, Croatia, Poland, and Romania are the most exposed to the ripple effects of these risks, due to countries’ increased vulnerability to climate risk and to the low degree of performance in implementing climate policies.

PECULIARITIES OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN EU AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISES: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE BEST PRACTICES

ustainable development in agriculture is crucial for ensuring long-term food security, environmental health, and economic viability within the European Union (EU). Given the diverse climatic conditions, economic contexts, and cultural traditions across member states, a comprehensive understanding of the peculiarities and regional differences in sustainable agricultural practices is essential for formulating effective policies and strategies. This article aims to provide a comparative analysis of sustainable development in agricultural enterprises across different EU regions. By examining the unique characteristics, implementation strategies, and outcomes of sustainable practices, the article seeks to highlight best practices, identify regional challenges, and propose recommendations for enhancing sustainability in the EU's agricultural sector. The study employs a multi-faceted approach, including a literature review of existing research, policy analysis of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and national policies, in-depth case studies from representative EU countries, surveys and interviews with key stakeholders, and quantitative and qualitative data analysis. This methodology ensures a thorough examination of the various dimensions of sustainable agriculture across the EU. The comparative analysis reveals significant regional differences in the adoption and effectiveness of sustainable agricultural practices. Western and Northern European countries demonstrate high adoption rates of advanced technologies and sustainable practices, supported by robust policies and financial incentives. Southern Europe focuses on water conservation and traditional practices, facing challenges in modernizing their approaches. Eastern Europe shows gradual progress, constrained by economic and infrastructural limitations but benefiting from EU support. Key findings highlight the importance of tailored regional policies, enhanced financial support, and the need for increased knowledge sharing and capacity building. The article concludes with practical recommendations for policymakers, agricultural enterprises, and other stakeholders to harmonize sustainable practices across the EU. These include strengthening and harmonizing policies, supporting research and innovation, improving access to financial resources, enhancing training and education, and fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration.

Research on EU natural gas security and countermeasures based on two-dimensional cloud model

The disruption of natural gas supply in the European Union (EU) and the ensuing price volatility triggered by the Ukrainian crisis have underscored the critical importance of natural gas security. This study aims to assess the current state of gas security in 27 EU countries that heavily rely on natural gas imports. We propose a comprehensive framework comprising seven dimensions to delineate natural gas security, complemented by a set of 13 evaluation indicators. Employing an enhanced AHP-entropy weight method, TOPSIS method, and two-dimensional cloud model, we rigorously evaluate the natural gas security performance across these 27 EU nations. Through the identification of primary influencing factors and the categorization of natural gas security levels, we establish an overarching ranking of gas security in the EU27. Our findings reveal that the EU's natural gas security risk level is classified as level III, with availability and affordability emerging as key dimensions significantly impacting security performance. This assessment not only offers valuable insights for energy-import-dependent countries and regions but also furnishes assessment tools and indicators crucial for evaluating natural gas security across diverse geopolitical contexts.

Living smaller: acceptance, effects and structural factors in the EU

This article examines limits to per capita living space (i.e. living smaller and/or sharing living space) as a measure for achieving sufficiency in housing. It studies the acceptance, motivation and side-effects of voluntarily reducing living space in five European Union countries: Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Spain and Sweden. Insights are derived from an extensive collection of qualitative empirical material collected from citizen and stakeholder ‘thinking labs’ across the five case countries. Overall, the data reveal an initial reluctance among citizens to reduce living space voluntarily. They also point to some major structural barriers: the housing market and its regulatory framework, social inequality, or dominant societal norms regarding ‘the ideal home’. Enhanced community amenities can compensate for reduced private living space, though contingent upon a clear allocation of rights and responsibilities. Participants also reported positive effects to living smaller, including increased time for leisure activities and proximity to services. This was often coupled with urbanization, which may also be part of living smaller in the future. Policy relevance Despite many challenges, European Union citizens can accept and embrace smaller living, given the right conditions. In particular, meaningful social contacts, good shared amenities and attractive neighbourhoods can lead to high satisfaction with smaller living conditions. Urbanization can serve as a major driving force to achieve this transformation, but it must be guided. Policy interventions are necessary to ensure a changing housing stock and more flexible use of the existing housing stock. Support for downsizing necessitates a reconfiguration of regulatory norms and economic incentives for building and planning. Equally important, ‘soft’ values of good community and mutual respect need to be fostered in a denser, smaller housing reality. Good governance becomes essential for housing to allow for flexibility in living situations and to manage conflicts. A shift in norms and values towards community and sharing is necessary and this requires active policymaking and good governance of urban spaces.