European Union Regulations Research Articles

Spanish economist-accountants’ perceptions of changes in regulation due to IFRS adoption

The adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in Spain by companies that are not included in the mandatory scope of the European Union regulations has led to the reform of accounting standards. We ascertain the opinions of Spanish economist-accountants following this change, analyzing the time effect and the level to which they understand the new requirements. We study the results of four successive surveys to analyze how the reform of the regulation is applied in practice. We conclude that the complexity economist-accountants encounter when facing regulatory changes varies significantly over time, as does their initial understanding of it. Economist-accountants’ perceptions change during the analyzed period and with the different changes in the regulation. They prefer the reform and adaptation of the Spanish legal system to IFRS to the direct application of IFRS in Spain. The main contribution of this paper is to highlight that regulators must consider the practical point of view and recognize that practitioners need extensive training and education to implement the new standards. In addition, a long-term perspective is required. For countries with similar characteristics, the results can provide a useful example of coping with changes in accounting regulation.

Designation and Certification Strategies for Fungus-Resistant Grape Wines: An Exploratory Study in Italy

Fungus-resistant grapes (FRGs), or pilzwiderstandfähig (PIWI) in German, are obtained through crossbreeding Vitis vinifera and other Vitis species. FRG adoption is among the most promising strategies to pursue and improve sustainability in the wine industry; however, actual spread and impact on sustainability will largely depend on designation and certification possibilities and procedures for FRG wines, in line with the framework set by the European Union (EU) Regulation 2021/2117. The aim of this study is to discuss the potential impact on consumers’ preferences of four hypothetical designation and certification settings for FRG wines: (I) new names without certification; (II) extended use of the original Vitis vinifera variety names without certification; (III) new names and ad-hoc designations (Protected Designation of Origin, PDO); (IV) extended use of the original Vitis vinifera variety names and existing PDOs. Participants’ reactivity to the alternatives was tested through market simulations on a non-probabilistic sample of 301 Italian university students. According to the results, extension of existing names and PDOs is the best option to enhance industry sustainability, preserve its quality paradigm, and fairly manage competition between traditional and new wines. Still, further investments are needed to promote FRG adoption and development.

Preliminary Data on Essential and Non-essential Element Occurrence in Processed Animal Proteins from Insects.

Insects represent a valuable and environmentally friendly protein alternative in food and feed. The Farm to Fork strategy encouraged the reintroduction of animal by-products in feed production to optimise recycling and to valorise under-used resources. In order to grant safe and valuable feed products, this study investigated the black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) chemical risk. Samples collected in different steps of production (8 samples of substrate for culturing, 7 samples of larvae, 15 samples of protein meal, 18 samples of spent substrate) were analysed for microessential elements (chromium, copper, iron, nickel, selenium and zinc) and inorganic contaminants (aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, lead, tin and vanadium) by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). Microessential elements were found in the following order: Fe > Zn > Cu > Ni > Se > Cr (mg kg-1). Non-essential element concentrations were found lower than the set limits according to the European Union Regulations. The growing demand for alternative protein sources for feed production could be partially compensated by black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) meal, as it appears a good source for high-quality proteins and microessential elements which play a pivotal role in animal growth. In the foreseeable future the current legislation and the official monitoring plans may be implemented and broaden, to focus and assess limits for upcoming matrices, and to ensure feed and food safety.

Experimental analysis of effective energy dosage in hot air weeding

The Sustainable Development Goals constitute a series of shared targets aimed at achieving a better and more sustainable future for all. To date, urban and rural environments need to have several management practices reviewed in order to meet the above-mentioned goals. In the agricultural sector, weeds are the principal cause of crop yield reduction and an effort is required to abandon chemical herbicides, increasingly disincentivized by the European Union and agricultural regulations. This work applies research to innovative thermal methods for weed control in specialized crop (e.g. vineyards or orchards), investigating the energy dosage needed when hot-air weeding technology is used. Through a table-top experimental setup, a series of empirical equations are defined to correlate the effectiveness and working area of the hot air technology to the main governing parameters of the thermal weeding: temperature and residence time of the heat source (air). The equations highlight different ways in which it is possible to energetically optimize this technology: primary energy savings of 2.8 times can be obtained if the weeding effectiveness is reduced from 90 to 80%, while, maintaining the same effectiveness, it is possible to increase the residence time and to work at low air temperatures (150–200 °C) avoiding the risk of fire that often hinder the spread of thermal weeding practices.

The prosecution of fisheries crime in Spanish criminal law: The impact of European Union regulations

This contribution offers a critical reflection on fisheries crime as described in the Spanish Penal Code. It sets out the reasons why its treatment is considered ineffective, and why the administrative offences and sanctions provided for in Law 3/2001 on Maritime Fisheries are more effective and dissuasive. However, it also considers that a legislative policy relying on the severity of administrative sanctions for its effectiveness may be counterproductive. The most recent judgements of the ECtHR consider that a disproportionate administrative sanction is equivalent to a penalty and should therefore be imposed with the same procedural and substantive safeguards. Finally, it is concluded that in order to avoid impunity for serious crimes in the field of IUU fishing activities, often managed by transnational and organised criminal networks with links to other criminal activities, the contribution of criminal jurisdiction is essential. Therefore, a reform of the Spanish Criminal Code is required, extending the conducts punishable as fishing crimes, increasing the penalties and establishing the criminal liability of legal persons.

Exposure assessment to pesticide residues and trace metals related to the consumption of imported onions (Allium cepa) in Senegal

In Senegal, the onion is one of the most consumed vegetables because it is used in all salty culinary preparations. The objective of the study was to assess the contribution of imported onions to exposure to pesticide residues and metallic trace elements. Composite samples of onions were taken in the seven largest markets of Dakar: Thiaroye, Keur Massar, Castors, Cambérene, Rufisque, Tilène and Dalifort. The metallic trace elements were determined by the ICP-AES, type Agilent Technology serial number AU 14110053 of 2014, while pesticide residues were detected and quantified by gas chromatograph, type Agilent Technology 6890A serial CN10721019, equipped with an Electron Capture micro-Detector with serial number 022423. The average content of the composite samples in lead (Pb) (778.22 µg/kg) was 7 to 8 times higher, in cadmium (Cd) (12.43 µg/kg) 5 times lower than the maximum residue limits determined by the European Union and the Codex Alimentarius, while the average concentration of aluminum (Al) was 13570 µg/kg. Twenty four (24) pesticide residues were tested. The average concentrations of some pesticides banned in European Union (EU) exceeded the maximum limits set by them. In fact, they are more than hundred (100) times higher for Prophenophos (2088.16 µg/kg), 25 times for Fenthion (508.01 ppb), 7 times for Tetramethrin (72.56 µg/kg), 2.5 times for Parathion methyl (50.16 ppb), 2 times for Dichlorvos (19.12 µg/kg), and 1.4 times for Endrin (14.26 µg/kg). The Dimetoate and the Malathion, although authorized, were found in onions at concentrations 25 times (250.8 µg/kg) and 2 times (40.71 µg/kg), respectively higher than the maximum limits set by the EU. Only the average content of Chlorpyrophos (4.13 µg/kg), Bifenthrin (2.99 µg/kg), Lambda Cyhalothrin (7.30 µg/kg) and Cypermethrin (8.095 ppb) were in accordance with the EU regulations. The results of the exposure assessment reveals that the calculated daily consumption of 0.158 kg of these onion samples by a 60 kg average body weight Senegalese adult would provide 56% of the Toxicological Reference Value for lead, 25% for aluminum, 66% for Dimetoate, 63% for Dichlorvos, 28% for Dieldrin, 19% for Fenthion, 18% for Endrin and Prophenophos and 13% for Parathion-methyl. This study reveals that the imported onion contributes to the exposure of the Senegalese adult to eight (8) phytosanitary active substances and three (3) metallic trace elements. Thus, the health risk cannot be ruled out and it is important to set up a monitoring plan for the imported onion. Key words: Metallic trace elements, pesticide residues, exposure, onions, Senegal

Article: Arms Transfers and Human Rights: Assessing the Impact and Enforcement of the EU Common Position on Arms Exports in a Multilevel Analysis

Arms export control measures are an important tool to defend the universality of human rights, democracy and to prevent conflicts. The European Union (EU) has a long tradition in striving towards these goals.One of the most important outcomes regarding such is the 2008 Council Common Position (CP) defining Common Rules Governing Control of Exports of Military Technology and Equipment Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). This article focuses on the implementation and effectiveness of this CP. In particular, it investigates whether EU countries have applied and enforced human rights principles in arms export practices following the approval of the CP or whether a promarket and pro-export approach have prevailed. In this way, it fills a lack of organic analysis on the impact of the CP. Secondly, for the first time, it compares EU-level regulation impact with that at the global level, in order to assess the ‘net value’ of the EU regulation at the international level also from a diachronic perspective. Lastly, a comparison with the national level offer suggestions for mutual reinforcing. By using quantitative methods, the research aims to offer empirical evidence concerning the EU arms export control regimes and their effectiveness and to contribute to the present debate about the means at the EU’s disposal to defend the universality of human rights and promote democracy. EU Common Foreign and Security Policy, human rights, arms trade, arms exports control and disarmament, normative power, democracy, autocracy, sanctions, arms embargo

Comparison of visual requirements and regulations for obtaining a driving license in different European countries and some open questions on their adequacy.

We reviewed the current state of knowledge regarding visual function and its suitability as part of medical examinations for driving licenses. We focused only on Group 1 drivers. According to previous studies, visual acuity, which is the most common test, is weakly associated with a higher risk of road accidents, with a greater role of visual field. The inclusion of the visual field test in medical examinations is therefore important, but the actual limit value is still unclear and further research in specific situations is needed. Color vision impairment was not found a threat to traffic safety. Contrast sensitivity decreases with age and is affected by abnormal eye conditions. Resulting glare can lead to an increased risk of traffic accidents during night driving in the elderly and others with conditions that impair contrast sensitivity. However, the universal cut-off limits have not been established either. The current European Union (EU) regulations therefore reflect minimum common denominator across the member states which may not entirely translate to optimal driving safety. Due to these open questions, standardized testing in simulators or on polygons that simulate real life conditions would be needed to better determine safe limits of visual function in different conditions. As there is a need to have better standardization across Europe regarding the requirements and rules regarding driving licenses in European countries, we first analyzed existing rules and compared them with each other, also in terms of deviations from the EU directive itself. We reviewed the literature in this field and prepared proposals for a more optimal regulation of the rules in the future. Particular attention is paid to the new method of examining the visual field that was created to respect the European directive. The paper can serve as a basis of information for research teams to design further protocols, as it gathers research findings to date on the importance and impact of various visual functions on driving safety, as well as a starting point for a debate on revising existing rules for obtaining and maintaining licenses, as it compares the current regulations in European countries and differences between them.

Vulnerability management as compliance requirement in product security regulation-agame changer for producers' liability and consequential improvement of the level of security in the Internet of Things?

The article outlines the European Union (EU) regulation of information technology (IT) security in Internet of Things products from a consumer and end user perspective. It starts with civil law and the necessity to address security requirements and specifications in individual contractual terms. Data and consumer protection laws have not helped much, mainly because of missing definitions and levels of applicable security. Two new EU directives reforming the law of obligations may improve the situation for consumers since security is now a named quality requirement, especially for the sale of (digital) goods. Also introduced is the provision of security updates as a contractual duty. But both rule sets address only the traders, not the producers. This is different with the activation of clauses in the radio equipment directive, which sets IT security measures as requirements to be compliant for CE labeling. An important element is the introduction of a vulnerability management system. Details can be found in the draft of technical standard ETSI/EN 303645. The work concludes with a look at the EU’s efforts regarding certification schemes and the interaction of all regulation elements, with more liability for insecure products plus the hope for effectiveness.

ManIAS: A community-driven data model and data exchange format for the management of invasive alien species and wildlife

Invasive alien species (IAS) are recognised as one of the major threats to biodiversity. The European Union (EU) Regulation 1143/2014 on the prevention of introduction and spread of invasive alien species imposes an obligation on Member States to develop management responses against a list of IAS of Union Concern and requires reporting on those interventions. However, the actors involved in IAS management are typically diverse and include authorities, managers, businesses and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Reporting on management actions, if performed at all, is often crude and does not capture essential information. Data on management are heterogeneous both in quality and format as well as what information is captured. They are recorded using a plethora of tools, are managed in data silos and not openly available. Here, we propose a community-driven data model and data exchange format for IAS and wildlife management data, called manIAS (management of Invasive Alien Species, Fig. 1). This was drafted in two consecutive workshops (Oldoni et al. 2022), building on the experience of the managerial community, combined with the existing european network of wildlife professionals (ENETWILD) standard (Body et al. 2020) for management reporting in the framework of animal health. We feel the development of such a data model is necessary and can bring multiple benefits within and outside the IAS management community. First, the data model can create awareness with data providers and project managers on the minimum quality standards for reporting on IAS management such as the target species, the management objective, the methods used, the effort spent, the results of the action and any encountered non-target effects. Second, the data exchange format will allow for easy aggregation of management data across taxa, regions, management actors and projects. Such exchanges of data on management, for example through visualisations, are necessary for running coordinated management programmes. Thirdly, it will ease the reporting on management for the EU IAS Regulation since authorities will have to spend less time in collecting and standardizing data from different actors. Lastly, the standardisation will allow more straightforward analysis of the effectiveness of management methods and the efficiency of control programmes.

Research ethics committees and post-approval activities: a qualitative study on the perspectives of European research ethics committee representatives

Objective To explore the views of Research Ethics Committee (REC) representatives in the European Union (EU) on what the status quo is in terms of RECs’ activities after the approval of trial protocols for clinical studies. Method This is a qualitative study. The participants in this study are members or representatives of a research ethics committee from the member countries of the European Network of Research Ethics Committees (EUREC) and the United Kingdom. Thematic analysis was the method to assess interview transcripts. Results Interviews of REC representatives from 19 countries across Europe reveals that REC post-approval activities are predominantly limited to review and approval of protocol amendments. The majority of the RECs do not have mandatory continuing reviews or receipt of notifications of adverse events or protocol violations. In fact, most post-approval activities are the remit of the regulatory authorities. The interviewed members were also of the opinion that RECs in the EU do not have the legislative support, the organizational structure, the expert staff nor time to do active post approval follow-up. Conclusions Post-approval follow-up activities for clinical studies by RECs is a valuable resource and means for early detection and resolution of protocol deviations and violations. However, a majority of RECs within Europe do not have active post-approval follow-up of approved protocols. The interviews revealed that resource challenges such as time, personnel, and organizational structure contribute to the lack of follow-up by RECs. Some RECs in the represented countries do not identify post-approval follow-up as part of their mandate but instead place emphasis on the culture of trust between the RECs and researchers. Current EU Regulations do not directly address the role of the REC after the approval of clinical trials.

EU–Third Country Dialogue on IUU Fishing: The Transformation of Thailand's Fisheries Laws

AbstractThis article addresses the impacts of the carding system (green, yellow, red) of the European Union (EU) Regulation on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing on the fisheries laws of third countries. Specifically, it analyzes Thailand's national legal reforms, which followed interactions between the EU and Thailand during the yellow card period. Building on past research on the EU's use of market power to exert regulatory influence on third countries, the article explores other factors that might encourage third countries to engage in national regulatory reforms: the EU's powers of expertise, monitoring, and agenda-setting. Finally, the article also considers the legitimacy of the EU's regulatory power over third countries.

Compliance risks for crowdfunding. A neglected aspect of money laundering, terrorist financing and fraud

Purpose This study aims to highlight the risks and threats posed by crowdfunding. It also looks at the new European Union regulation on crowdfunding, which is intended to give participants confidence that there will be specific minimum regulatory standards to protect parties against mis-selling issues affecting some platforms. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based upon a thorough literature review. Findings Crowdfunding is an essential alternative for financing commercial and non-commercial projects. Although it is a fast-growing digital financial tool, it can also be considered extremely risky. It can be an ideal platform for money laundering and can facilitate the financing of terrorism and fraud. Originality/value Crowdfunding is still in its infancy, so the literature has not yet sufficiently addressed the compliance risks of crowdfunding. As a result, there is a significant research gap. Thus, this study aims to analyse and propose suggestions to mitigate the risks that all crowdfunding stakeholders may face when deciding to participate in a crowdfunding activity or when they want to set one up.

Comparison of two commercial methods for smooth-shelled mussels (Mytilus spp.) species identification

Seafood international trade has increased the labeling requirements in standards and regulations to include product information that enable traders and consumers to make informed choices. The European Union (EU) Regulation No. 1379/2013 imposes the declaration of an official commercial designation and scientific names for all the fishery and aquaculture products to be offered for sale to the final consumers. DNA analyses are used to enforce this regulation and to test authenticity in processed foods. We compared the performance of two mono-locus approaches for species identification (SI) in 61 Mytilus mussels: the high-resolution melting analysis of the polyphenolic adhesive protein gene and the partial sequencing of the histone H1C gene. The H1C sequences were analyzed with five different methods. Both approaches show discrepancies in the identification of putative hybrids (0.0 < κ < 0.687 and 0.0 < MCC < 0.724). Excluding putative hybrids, methods show substantial to perfect agreement (0.772 < κ < 1.0 and 0.783 < MCC < 1.0). This study highlights the need to use standardized molecular tools, as well as to use multi-locus methods for SI of Mytilus mussels in testing laboratories.

Koordynatsiia system sotsialnoho zabezpechennia u sferi sotsialnoho strakhuvannia v yevropeiskomu soiuzi: instytutsiino-pravovi zasady

The article analyses the content and institutional and legal framework for the coordination of social welfare systems in the European Union. Analysing documents in particular, EU Acts and Regulations, as well as taking into account modern scientific research, the material substantiates the existence of a separate area of scientific and practical activities in the European Union, namely, social welfare. It is specified that «social welfare» as a theoretical construct and direction of public policy should be considered within the concept of «social security». In a narrower context, social security can be interpreted as a basic social standard, which in most cases is implemented through social insurance. The social welfare coordination system in the European Union is quite complex and undergoing constant change. The need for modernization in view of changes in working conditions in the modern world has been updated in the period of the coronavirus pandemic. According to European Union regulations, the main areas of social welfare in the EU cover payments in connection in specific situations. Such situations are included: sickness benefits, maternity and paternity benefits, invalidity benefits, old-age benefits, survivors’ benefits, benefits related to accidents at work and occupational diseases, and benefits in connection with death, unemployment benefits, pre-retirement benefits and family benefits. The article identifies the basic principles of coordination of social welfare systems in the European Union. Among others, the most important of these is equal treatment of all people; free movement of people; unity of legislation applicable in this field in different countries; the provision that rights acquired in one country are retained in another; and the idea that insurance periods acquired in other countries summed up. In addition, the material offers a comprehensive analysis of all major EU legal acts coordinating social security systems at national levels.

Obligation to use the Brand and Legal Consequences of Non-Use

Ülkemizde, 1995 yılında kabul edilen dört ayrı Kanun Hükmünde Kararnameyle (KHK) korunan marka, patent-faydalı model, tasarım ve coğrafi işaretler, 6769 sayılı Sınai Mülkiyet Kanunu çatısı altında bir araya getirilmiştir. Dolayısıyla ülkemizde, Avrupa Birliği ile gümrük birliğinin kabulü ve yine Dünya Ticaret Örgütüne (DTÖ)/TRIPS’e taraf olunması nedeniyle doktrinde 1995 yılı nasıl bir milat olarak görülüyorsa, 10.1.2017 tarihinde yürürlüğe giren 6769 sayılı Sınai Mülkiyet Kanununun (SMK) kabulünün da bu alanda bir milat olarak görülmesi gerektiği söylenebilir. &#x0D; Özellikle markanın kullanımı ile ilgili mehaz Avrupa Birliği düzenlemelerine paralellik gösteren düzenlemelerin hukuk sistemimize dâhil olması oldukça önemli bir hususu teşkil etmektedir. Seçtiği markayı marka siciline tescil ettirip, markayı Kanun’da öngörülen koşullarda kullanan marka sahibi, üçüncü kişilere karşı markasını koruyabilecektir. Sınai Mülkiyet Kanunu’nda bu kullanımın olması gereken şekli açıklanmış ve marka tescilli olduğu mal veya hizmetler sınıfında, Türkiye sınırları içerisinde ve ciddi bir biçimde kullanılması gerektiği vurgulanmıştır. Markanın gerçek kullanımı teşvik etmek ve markaların sicilde gereksiz olarak yer işgal etmesini engellemek amacıyla kanun tarafından markanın kullanılmasının zorunluluk hâline getirilmiştir. Sicile tescil ettirildiği tarihten itibaren beş sene içerisinde sahibi tarafından kullanılmayan veya kullanımına haklı bir sebep olmaksızın beş sene ara verilen markaların, ilgili kişilerine talebi üzerine TÜRKPATENT tarafından iptaline karar verilebilecektir. &#x0D; Markanın kullanılması ile ilgili esaslar, 6769 sayılı Sınai Mülkiyet Kanunu 9/1. Maddesi hükmüne göre, “Tescil tarihinden itibaren beş yıl içinde haklı bir sebep olmadan tescil edildiği mal veya hizmetler bakımından marka sahibi tarafından Türkiye’de ciddi biçimde kullanılmayan ya da kullanımına beş yıl kesintisiz ara verilen markanın iptaline karar verilir”. Buna göre, tescil tarihinden itibaren beş yıl içinde, tescil edildiği mal veya hizmetler bakımından markanın, marka sahibi tarafından haklı bir neden olmadan, Türkiye’de ciddi biçimde kullanılamaması ya da kullanıma beş yıl kesintisiz ara verilmesi durumunda markanın iptaline karar verilir. Dolayısıyla, bu anlamda markanın iptaline karar verilmemesi için markanın marka sahibi tarafından, sicilde kaydolduğu mal veya hizmetler bakımından, temel işlevine uygun, ciddi olarak Türkiye’de kullanılması gerekmektedir. &#x0D; Markanın ayırt edici karakteri değiştirilmeden farklı unsurlarla kullanılması, sadece ihracat amacıyla mal veya ambalajlarında kullanılması ve marka sahibinin izni ile kullanılması da SMK. 9/2 ve 3. fıkraları anlamında markayı kullanma kabul edilir. SMK’nin ilgili madde lafzından anlaşılmadığı ve kullanma kabul edilen hâllerin genişletilmesinin markanın kullanım zorunluluğunun getiriliş maksadıyla bağdaşmayacağı gerekçesiyle markayı kullanma sayılan hâller sayılı olup genişletilemeyeceği kabul edilmiştir. Nitekim Tekinalp, kullanım sayılan hâllerin ilgili kanun maddesinde sayılı olarak açıkça belirtildiği ve bu sayılı hâller dışında ekleme yapılmasının mümkün olmayacağını ifade etmiştir. &#x0D; Bu makale çalışmasında bilhassa, markanın kullanım külfeti ve bu külfetin hukuki sonuçları üzerinde durulmaya çalışılmıştır. Çalışmada mevzuat hükümleri, yüksek mahkeme kararları, doktrin ve bilimsel çalışmalar ve uluslararası uygulamalar ve düzenlemelerden yararlanılmıştır

Assessing Italians' Preferences for Mountain Beef Production Using a Best–Worst Scaling Approach

The European Union (EU) regulation on mountain food products represents a great opportunity for beef producers in mountain areas, particularly as the quality-certified food has received more attention from European consumers in recent years. However, for a food-quality system—such as the European Commission's mountain labeling scheme—to be effective, the regulation standards must meet consumer expectations. In Italy, there are few studies on consumer preferences regarding beef and none focused on meat produced in mountain areas. To help fill this gap, this study assessed the preferences of Italian citizens for attributes associated with beef produced in mountain areas and contrasted the results with the EU regulation on mountain food products. Furthermore, factors that explain the heterogeneity of Italians' preferences regarding beef production attributes were analyzed. Data were collected online using a consumer panel, and a best–worst scaling method and latent class analysis were used. The results indicate that Italians expect mountain beef to be healthier and produced according to higher animal welfare standards. Such preferences reveal the existence of a gap between what Italians expect and the quality standards of the EU regulation on mountain food products, a situation that may jeopardize the objectives of the European Commission's mountain labeling scheme.

How Can European Regulation on ESG Impact Business Globally?

The European Union (EU) has impacted regulation worldwide in areas ranging from data protection to trade or antitrust. In select fields, it has defined stringent standards and has had an impact on global business because of the size of its market and the price of participating in it. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the main provisions of the EU regulation on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and determine whether and how it will have an impact on business globally, including regulations around disclosure for companies, taxonomy for the asset management sector, supply chain due diligence requirements, new mechanisms such as carbon markets, or non-tariffs restrictions on international trade. For this, our analysis includes an in-depth review of the literature on EU regulation of the past 20 years, complemented with interviews with experts in the field, in order to understand the main tools used by European policymakers in ESG regulations to understand their effect. The analysis adds to the body of research pertaining to the impact of regulation on business and the growing body of research on sustainable finance. We find that the new ESG regulation impacts countries outside of the EU, influencing regulation worldwide, and raising the question of possible regulatory arbitrage.

Poultry sector analysis in Albania

Meat production, in specific poultry meat is a very important product for protein and nutrition values for many consumers. With the urbanization of the population people’s diet is shifting towards meat overall, including processed poultry. This has increased the challenges of quality and control over the meat products. (RAIHAN AND MAHMUD, 2018) In general, poultry remains a problematic sector in Albania, with the most common issue being the quality and not the European Union standards and regulations. This paper analysis the egg and poultry products livestock and productions, importing and exporting trends on poultry products, and the potential of development of this sector in the single market of European Union by improving the sector. This study gives an overview in poultry subsector related to livestock and production, international trades, and their market trends. It highlights the supply chain in poultry that can be helpful for poultry businesses and government. It also provides valuable information regarding the impact of quality issues in international market, also the structure of the market for poultry is conducted. Also, the imports and exports on poultry subsector trends and comparison was conducted. The study also consisted of calculations of index number CPI, which indicates the changes in consumer purchasing power. JEL code: D1

ECONOMIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES OF SAFE USE OF SEWAGE SLUDGE IN AGRICULTURE

Topicality. Spreading the philosophy of sustainable development, where activities preserve natural and social resources for use by future generations without harming the business economy, as well as significant increases in the price of chemical fertilizers due to rising gas prices require ways to reduce the chemical burden on agriculture. The trend of abandoning intensive technologies will be exacerbated by economic leverage - European Union regulations are increasingly banning agrochemicals and introducing a "carbon tax". Therefore, the use of sewage sludge as fertilizer for agricultural production is becoming an urgent issue. Therefore, the use of sewage sludge as fertilizer for agricultural production on the basis of economic efficiency is becoming an urgent issue.Aim and tasks. The aim of the article is to consider the economic and technological principles aimed at improving the bioavailability of nutrients and reducing the risk of using biowaste before entering the soil, in the context of the idea of sustainable development.Research results. Sewage sludge (SS) application in agriculture has a beneficial effect on soil organic matter content, sorption capacity and an overall improvement in physical properties. Conversion of SS to a soil amendment can be performed by a broad spectrum of methods, which greatly differ by substrate/amendment composition, treatment time, and physicochemical conditions. Sanitary and epidemiological safety is essential, which is why bio-wastes require processing according to selected technologies that aim to improve the bioavailability of nutrients and reduce hazards before entering the soil. This review provides a more complete overview of the present status of the methods for SS disinfection. The review is focused on i) environmental and legislative aspects of SS application in agriculture; ii) risk factors related to the abundance of bacterial, viral, protozoan and other pathogens in SS and methods of SS hygienization by various physical and chemical treatments; iii) risks of soil pollution with biologically active compounds (e.g., antibiotic resistance genes and other emerging contaminants). For the life cycle assessment, an environmental performance and pathogen risk was considered. The results of such consideration have direct impact on the nature of the applied economic and technological measures. Conclusions and perspectives in this field were formulated, using 102 references, including 49 citations dated by the last five years.Conclusion. Numerous technological approaches on SS treatment have their particular advantages, although disinfection efficiency remains unsatisfactory. Legislative requirements are still based on less resistant indicator organisms. Further comprehensive research on SS treatment should be focused on combination of different physical (especially, thermal) and chemical processes, which would convert SS into a qualitative fertilizer with safe microbiological characteristics. The decrease in energy consumption during drying and the reduction of the management costs of these residues can be relevant economic gains. In general, the application of drying to remove water from sewage sludge should be a balance between energy costs in the process and the management costs without drying.