Integration Project Research Articles

Not anxious enough: The discursive articulation of ontological security in the European Parliament

Abstract This paper makes the case for a discursive understanding of ontological security and demonstrates the utility of such an approach in an analysis of European Parliament (EP) debates between 1990 and 2020. We argue that articulations of ontological (in)security operate through the (re)inscription of a set of metanarratives in what we call ‘discursive nodal points’. Building on an extensive analysis of EP debates over 30 years, we demonstrate that in contrast to the prevailing view of the European Union (EU) as an ‘anxious community’, at least on the political level, EU actors remain surprisingly confident in the European project. While they do invoke challenges to the EU, they see these as incentives to strengthen the integration project and often consider operating in crisis mode as an essential EU characteristic. In doing so, they draw on modernist metanarratives of progress, control, and power to construct an ontologically secure EU. We argue that the future ontological security of the EU will partly depend on allowing for more ambiguity in this modernist narrative without accepting a nationalist counter-narrative that undermines the idea of European integration.

Patterns of natural vegetation removal in the Caatinga biome in Prodes Project scope

Abstract. The native vegetation removal (NVR) of Caatinga Brazilian biome has been mapped by Prodes Project coordinated by National Institute for Spatial Research (INPE) between 2000 to 2023 year. Prodes is considered an official government product for achieving Brazilian and international targets for the conservation of natural vegetation. Therefore, Prodes is committed to achieving the highest possible accuracy associated with the history of mapping already carried out, by visual interpretation of satellite images and the use of past mapping masks techniques. Mapping NVR in Caatinga biome is a major challenge compared to biomes where the tree canopy with native vegetation prevails. Caatinga is one of the least protected of Brazilian biomes and is in one of the most pressured semi-arid regions on the planet. This work aims to present the NVR in Caatinga biome from Prodes data, in terms of its trajectory and main geographical patterns, concerning the municipalities, and areas that are the focus of monitoring, conservation or restoration. According to Prodes results, by 2023, the cumulative NVR in the entire Caatinga reached 43,05%; in 2000, this figure was 29,54%. The major NVR occurred in the easternmost areas of Caatinga and regions of Serrinha and Feira de Santana in Bahia State. Also, there are areas with considerable NVR further inside the biome, such as, Irecê and Guanambi region in Bahia, west of Pernambuco and Paraíba States and South and North of Ceará State. Areas prioritized for conservation actions showed high NVR values, indicating the urgent need for implementation of such actions. The fact that Desertification Cores showed low NVR values is important, and these regions should be closely monitored to prevent uncontrolled NVR rates. The two regions with high anthropic pressure or speculation showed contrasting behaviors; while the Araripe Gypsum Pole exhibited higher NVR levels compared to the control area, the São Francisco River integration project (PISF) so far does not appear significantly different from the rest of the biome. Overall, this study clearly demonstrates the potential of monitoring the Caatinga through Prodes in understanding and integrating the various factors influencing changes in the biome's native vegetation cover. Future approaches should move beyond descriptive studies to increasingly contribute to the territorial management of this important Brazilian region.

CONSTRUÇÃO DE UM CIRCUITO DE MEDIÇÃO TRANSISTORIZADO PARA O ENSINO DA FÍSICA DOS SEMICONDUTORES NO ENSINO MÉDIO

Technology has proven to be an inseparable element in modern society, reshaping the way we live, learn and interact, individually and collectively. In this context, Physics teaching prioritizes the substantive training of subjects capable of analyzing, reflecting and using scientific tools to solve everyday or technological problems. As current technologies are based on the semiconductor behavior of silicon and the various digital electronic automation, control, communication and information systems, present in various sectors of society, semiconductor physics represents important content for high school, allowing greater reach in scientific understanding and technological by the subject. Based on current scientific education paradigms, this article aims to highlight the results of a didactic proposal based on the design and construction of a transistorized water level measuring circuit by students in the 2nd year of high school at a state school, belonging to the Alagoas comprehensive education program (pALei), located in the municipality of Arapiraca, during the delivery of the Integrator Project curricular component, belonging to the program's diversified base. Throughout the development of the component, the students, divided into groups, were led to the question of monitoring the water level present in the school's water tank, being able to size the circuit, assemble it and carry out tests, solving the problem initially presented based on the theoretical contribution developed in the project, based on the principles of electrodynamics and the physics of semiconductors.

Ensuring coherence between China’s “Belt and Road” initiative and Eurasian Economic Union Project

The article examines the transport development of the intracontinental spaces of Eurasia and their interrelations with the Belt and Road initiative and the activities of the EAEU in infrastructure construction. The emergence of the Initiative is due to several large-scale global economic processes, such as the shift of the center of world production to Asia, China’s leading role in the global economy, its desire to form a different, more equitable model of world economic relations, the growth of geopolitical, transport and economic dynamics of intra-continental events. The central element of the Initiative is China’s willingness to finance local infrastructure projects in which there is a common interest. The integration project is focused on the state sovereignty of the participating countries, the transformation of the EAEU into a dynamically developing region of Eurasia, and the economic attraction for third countries. The EAEU sees the creation of a modern communications infrastructure (the Eurasian transport framework) as the main prerequisite for achieving these objectives. One of the important results of the conjugation of the mega-project and the activities of the EAEU has been a multiple increase in trade and transport communications between China and the EAEU countries. The implemented, ongoing and recommended projects of international transport corridors ensure the permissive effect of intra-continentality and a wider use of the advantages of the Central Eurasia position for the development of the countries of Central Asia, Western China and the Siberian regions of Russia.

Negative density dependence promotes persistence of a globally rare yet locally abundant plant species Oenothera coloradensis

Identifying the mechanisms underlying the persistence of rare species has long been a motivating question for ecologists. Classical theory implies that community dynamics should be driven by common species, and that natural selection should not allow small populations of rare species to persist. Yet, a majority of the species found on Earth are rare. Consequently, several mechanisms have been proposed to explain their persistence, including negative density dependence, demographic compensation, vital rate buffering, asynchronous responses of subpopulations to environmental heterogeneity, and fine‐scale source‐sink dynamics. Persistence of seeds in a seed bank, which is often ignored in models of population dynamics, can also buffer small populations against collapse. We used integral projection models (IPMs) to examine the population dynamics of Oenothera coloradensis, a rare, monocarpic perennial forb, and determine whether any of five proposed demographic mechanisms for rare species persistence contribute to the long‐term viability of two populations. We also evaluate how including a discrete seed bank stage changes these population models. Including a seed bank stage in population models had a significantly increased modeled O. coloradensis population growth rate. Using this structured population model, we found that negative density‐dependence was the only supported mechanism for the persistence of this rare species. We propose that high micro‐site abundances within a spatially heterogeneous environment enables this species to persist, allowing it to sidestep the demographic and genetic challenges of small population size that rare species typically face. The five mechanisms of persistence explored in our study have been demonstrated as effective strategies in other species, and the fact that only one of them had strong support here supports the idea that globally rare species can employ distinct persistence strategies. This reinforces the need for customized management and conservation strategies that mirror the diversity of mechanisms that allow rare species persistence.

Exploring the Development of Past and Future Episodic Memory in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Preliminary Longitudinal Study

Adolescence is a critical period where individuals build their identity and consolidate how they interact with others. However, for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the development of identity and social bounds is at stake. These challenges with the development of identity and social bonds could be linked to difficulties in autobiographical memory (AM), whether recalling past events (past episodic memory; past EM) or imagining future scenarios (episodic future thinking; EFT). To date, developmental patterns of AM over time remain poorly understood in ASD. Eleven adolescents with ASD or typical development (TD) completed an assessment of past EM and EFT once per year for three years. Preliminary results show that past EM becomes more detailed over the years for adolescents with ASD, while there is no change for TD adolescents. Interestingly, only the content elements of the narrated events are increasing, not the context elements. Furthermore, EFT evolves in the TD group but remains stable in the ASD group. This first multi-case longitudinal study of AM needs to be replicated with more participants, but it seems to indicate a heterogeneous evolution of AM in ASD. For future studies, these results will lead us to explore the hypothesis of developmental delay and the factors influencing AM development in ASD. Finally, understanding these developmental pathways highlights the importance of personalized therapeutic approaches to support social integration, identity construction, and future projects for adolescents with ASD.

Assessment of competitive advantages of IT system integrator companies taking industry factors into account

Purpose. To evaluate competitive advantages of IT system integrators in Ukraine. To investigate the influence of industry factors on the formation of competitive advantages using cases of the mining and fuel & energy industries. Methodology. The empirical basis of the study was presented by performance indicators of the leading system integrator companies of Ukraine. The methodological basis of the research was the scoring method using weight coefficients and the graphic method of creating a radial diagram of competitive advantages. During the research, the following methods were used: analysis and synthesis (to study the components of competitive advantages and to form integral indicators), induction and deduction (to form market trends and to identify enterprise strategies), classification (to form indicators that determine competitive advantages). Findings. In the process of research, a model of competitive advantages for system integrator companies was formed. A methodology was developed and an assessment of competitive advantages of the leading system integrators of IT industry of Ukraine was carried out. A radial diagram of competitive advantages was created. It allows performing a comparative analysis of the factors of company competitive advantages with the aim to form a development strategy to improve the competitive position of the company in the market. Features of influence of the industry factors on the formation of competitive advantages of system integrators were considered and this influence was evaluated using cases of the mining and fuel & energy industries. Originality. A model and methodology for assessing competitive advantages for system integrator companies in IT industry were proposed; the main factors of competitive advantages for system integrators have been identified. The necessity of taking industry factors into account when assessing the competitive advantages of these enterprises has been proposed and confirmed by the research results. Practical value. The applied value of the research lies in the possibility of applying the developed model and methodology to assess the competitive advantages of system integrators. The results of such an assessment can be used by system integrators to develop a competitive strategy and improve their competitive positions in the market. Customers (including enterprises in the mining and fuel & energy industries) can use evaluation elements when conducting procurement (tender) procedures for selection of contractors for the implementation of system integration projects. Also, the results of the study can be used for the analysis of the system integration market.

Analysing the European Defence Fund’s financing distribution across EU countries: what drives national participation in defence-industrial integration projects?

The establishment of the European Defence Fund (EDF) marks a significant shift in how EU Member States approach the integration of the defence industry as it aims to systematically promote inter-European defence-industrial cooperation across national defence sectors. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence of the actual dynamics regarding EDF implementation. While there are accounts of EU countries’ varying political positions on defence integration, including its industrial aspect, it remains unclear whether Member States’ actual participation in integration projects aligns with these positions. Are national motives consistent once effective defenceindustrial integration is underway? The findings, based on Masson’s (2024) data on by-country distribution of EDF project financing (2021–2022), present a more nuanced picture of EU countries’ effective engagement with defence-industrial integration than anticipated by the political perspective. While there is a positive relationship between participation in the EDF and defence market size, strategic culture does not influence EU members’ involvement in the Fund. Furthermore, while liberal economicindustrial governance is negatively associated with national participation in EDF projects, a country’s institutional quality has a significant positive relationship with it. This article reveals more complex dynamics of EDF implementation than suggested by the political perspective on defence-industrial integration pre-EDF.

Influence of climate change on water quality in Terra Nova River basin, Pernambuco, Brazil

Climate changes tend to intensify water scarcity in arid and semi-arid regions, making water management in these areas more challenging, directly influencing hydrological dynamics, causing impacts on ecosystems and society. The Terra Nova River basin is crucial for the water security of the semi-arid region of Pernambuco, especially after the construction of the São Francisco River Integration Project (PISF), which saw the construction of six reservoirs to supply water for human consumption, agricultural, and industrial activities. Therefore, this study aims to analyzes the impacts of climate changes on water quality in the Terra Nova River basin in Pernambuco, using long-term data from the Hydrological Response Unit System for Pernambuco (SUPer). The ARIMA (Autoregressive Integrated Moving Averages) model is employed to predict water quality parameters in climate change scenarios, using data from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz). The variables include air temperature, precipitation, dissolved oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Simulated scenarios were compared with CONAMA No. 357/2005 limits, revealing potential decreases in dissolved oxygen and phosphorus concentrations, alongside an increase in nitrogen concentrations. Irregular rainfall rates, high air temperatures, and evapotranspiration, combined with conflicts by water resources, may exacerbate water access issues in the semi-arid region, worsening the water crisis and threatening water security.

Social solidarity and deservingness

The notion of social solidarity involves formal and informal practices, with various levels of institutionalisation. It builds on normative assumptions and discourses of reciprocal expectations of mutual help, on (perceived) ideas of sameness or neediness in relation to, among other, class, ethnicity, and/or gender and on notions of deservingness that are entangled in such ideas. In this contribution, we discuss how the intersection between institutionalised social solidarity in European nation-states and notions of deservingness informs who is seen as worthy of being part of welfare arrangements. Where ideas of solidarity and deservingness intertwine with legal categorisations of belonging, the results are exclusionary policies that often restrict migrants’ access to national welfare policies, and hence meaningful societal participation. Furthermore, we discuss migrants’ experiences with expressions of solidarity beyond the national realm, exploring how ideas about migrants’ deservingness become linked to their economic usefulness within the European (integration) project.

Effects of different mobility concepts in new residential areas

Growing cities need new residential areas, which are often either not connected to the existing transport infrastructure or are poorly connected to it. A fast way to connect these areas is the construction of roads. However, this generates a car-depending mobility among the inhabitants, which is in conflict with several sustainability goals. Moreover, the impact of the implementation of new public transport options is only partly known and this fact reduces the willingness to invest in expensive public transport measures. In this work we examine different mobility concepts, including shared mobility, bicycle highways, a high-frequency bus service, suburban trains and car limitations in a new residential area of 2000 households in Berlin, Germany, which is currently under construction. The households and inhabitants are created synthetically using statistical data derived from a survey among the first people moved in. The age and size structure of these households turn out to be different from the neighboring households. Then, we implement all measures in a microscopic travel demand simulation and quantify the potential modal shifts for four different mobility concepts. The results show that weak and short-term mobility concepts show no significant change in mobility behavior. Only highly integrated projects like bicycle highways into the inner city combined with suburban trains can reduce the need for car-dependent mobility. Shared mobility only fills in the gaps for special occasions but not for daily mobility due to the high costs. In a final step we examine the usage of the introduced public transport services and compare the change in the occupation of the buses and trains. Here our work shows that interchanging from bus to subways and suburban trains drastically reduces the attractiveness of public transport. Introducing a new suburban train changes this situation and the whole region shows a drop of 40% of car trips.

Integrating technical and business aspects in Software as a Service: Systematic literature review, trends, and research directions

One of the most salient problems currently confronting Software as a Service (SaaS) realization and scientific research is understanding how to efficiently connect software platforms using SaaS distribution models integrating the business functions. The extant empirical SaaS literature holds research gaps regarding the commercial and technical aspects of SaaS business models. To address these gaps, this article systematically reviews current empirical studies to understand how SaaS integration projects could be more efficiently managed in organizations by integrating technical and business aspects. Among other findings, we discover significant knowledge gaps in the field, mainly regarding the empirical validation of a coherent business strategy regarding the SaaS model and an integrated view of customer-perceived performance concerning SaaS architecture. Based on the analysis and synthesis of the findings, this study provides a framework for SaaS realization, including the principal dimensions to be considered in SaaS provision. Futhermore, a novel conceptual model proposed complements the framework by organizing 14 principal variables affecting SaaS integration on three decision-making levels, i.e., strategic, tactical, and operational. This study theoretically contributes to solidifying the SaaS integration literature by covering the three levels of decision-making and offering actionable insights into business practice and SaaS implementation. Regarding the practical contributions, this research guides managers in managing SaaS projects by emphasizing a holistic approach that incorporates all decision-making levels and perspectives, as well as interconnected technological and business aspects. Lastly, promising future research opportunities have been identified to move SaaS research forward.

Exploration of the model of deepen industry–education integration in the digital economy era

PurposeWhile the industry–education integration has achieved significant results, it also faces many prominent problems. The current problems include some projects prioritizing research and development over education, insufficient breadth and depth of cooperation and a lack of quality monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Breaking through these problems to deepen industry–education integration is an important issue that urgently needs to be studied.Design/methodology/approachTaking the second batch of 10,283 industry–education integration projects of the Ministry of Education in 2019 as a case study, the problems existing in the Chinese industry–education integration projects are analyzed. We should make full use of the advantages and resources in the era of digital economy to seek the right path to deepen the integration of industry–education.FindingsThe study finds that governments can leverage the advantages and opportunities of the digital economy to deepen the reform of industry–education integration.Originality/valueThe policy suggestion is to deepen the mechanism of multi-party linkage and collaborative education, actively build an industry–education integration service platform and promote the two-way docking of industry education supply and demand.

Adaptive stochastic resonance enhanced weak linear frequency modulated signal perception in low signal-to-noise ratio environments

Abstract The linear frequency modulated (LFM) signal has gained extensive utilization in radar, sonar and covert communication system due to its large time-bandwidth product, high-precision distance measurement and low detection probability. The perception of weak LMF signals holds significant importance yet encounters substantial challenges within the increasing complexity of the electromagnetic environments. Consequently, this paper proposes an adaptive stochastic resonance (ASR) enhanced approach for perceiving weak LFM signals in low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) conditions. This approach initially commences a pioneering study on the quantitative synergistic resonance mechanism among LFM signals, random noise, and nonlinear stochastic resonance (SR) systems. Subsequently, the ASR system’s implementation becomes straightforward through the adaptive adjustment of SR system parameters according to the LFM signal and noise characteristics. This implementation leverages the inherent property of noise energy transfer to signal energy, facilitating the enhancement of ordered weak signals via random noise. Following the enhancement of the output signal by the ASR system, the Wigner–Ville distribution (WVD) transform’s time-frequency concentration property is employed to extract the time-frequency characteristics. Building on the WVD transform, the Radon transform with linear integral projection is applied to further harness the time-frequency domain energy concentration, thereby achieving the effective perception of weak LFM signals. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method in improving the perception performance of weak LFM signal in very low SNR conditions is verified through numerical simulations. It is anticipated that this method will have potential application value in fields such as radar, sonar, and communication under complex electromagnetic environments.

Management of integration projects within the framework of state support for partnership programs for small, medium and large businesses

Relevance. Small and medium-sized businesses have a significant impact on the development of the economy of any country. However, they often have difficulties in promoting their products (services) and strengthening their positions in the market. To solve this problem, it is necessary to activate integration projects of small and mediumsized enterprises with large companies in terms of providing access to public procurement.The purpose of writing this article is to develop measures and recommendations for small, medium and large businesses aimed at popularizing the development of joint partnerships, taking into account current government support.Objectives: Tasks: to assess the growth trends in the volume of purchases of companies with state participation from small and medium-sized enterprises; to consider the scheme of implementation of the partnership program for small and medium-sized enterprises and companies with state participation; to determine information and analytical support for business processes of interaction between major customers and SMEs in successfully implemented partnership programs; to develop recommendations for partner participants to popularize partnership programs.Methodology. When writing this article, a set of general scientific methods of cognition was used: observation, comparison, description, content analysis, as well as methods of program-targeted planning. Results. The article examines the practical aspects of the implementation of partnership programs for small, medium and large businesses; presents a register of participants in partnership programs in Russia by the end of 2023 from among SMEs (fragment); conducted a content analysis of the official websites of the largest customers (included in the TOP 5), successfully implementing partnership programs with small businesses in their activities and medium-sized businesses for information and analytical support of business processes of interaction.Conclusions. Measures and recommendations have been developed for all existing and potential participants in partnership programs (small, medium and large businesses). The creation of a single information space between the partners will make it possible to make appropriate management decisions regarding the implementation of possible integration projects.

Implementing data governance in financial systems: Strategies for ensuring compliance and security in multi-source data integration projects

This study explores the complexities of implementing data governance within financial systems, focusing on strategies to ensure compliance and security in multi-source data integration projects. The primary aim was to identify challenges and establish a comprehensive framework to enhance data integrity, confidentiality, and regulatory adherence in the financial sector. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research included an extensive literature review, case studies, and expert interviews to gain insights into current practices, challenges, and emerging trends in data governance. Key findings reveal that while multi-source data integration offers significant opportunities for enhanced decision-making, it also presents substantial risks, including data breaches and regulatory non-compliance. The study underscores the pivotal role of data governance frameworks in mitigating these risks through the establishment of clear data policies, the implementation of robust cybersecurity measures, and the promotion of a compliance-focused organizational culture. Additionally, the analysis highlights the necessity for harmonized global data privacy laws to address the diverse regulatory environments that financial institutions operate within. The research concludes that effective data governance is crucial for financial institutions to safeguard their data assets, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain stakeholder trust. Recommendations include the adoption of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain to enhance data governance capabilities, the provision of ongoing employee training to foster a culture of compliance, and the implementation of dynamic compliance monitoring systems to keep pace with evolving regulatory demands. By embracing these strategies, financial institutions can develop a resilient data governance framework that not only ensures compliance and security but also drives operational excellence, competitive advantage, and sustained trust in the increasingly digital financial landscape. Keywords: Data Governance, Financial Systems, Multi-Source Data Integration, Regulatory Compliance, Cybersecurity, Data Privacy.

The Transformation of International Relations in East Asia at the End of the XX – Early XXI Centuries

The author examines the role of various institutions and countries in the transformation of the world order in East Asia during the period of the late XX – early XXI centuries. The work notes that at the end of the XX century, the American model of the regionalization process, carried out within the framework of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), dominated. However, due to the changes in the US foreign policy doctrine and the Asian economic crisis of 1997–1998, APEC, in the early 2000s, began to give way to ASEAN+, where Japan occupied the leading position. Since the mid-2000s, China has been strengthening due to successfully carried out economic reforms and the use of various integration platforms. As a result, China began to promote its own model of globalization and regionalization in the region, which challenged the American order not only in East Asia, but also in the Asia-Pacific region. In the late 2000s, Washington sought to regain lost positions in the region by promoting the Trans-Pacific Partnership integration project, which intensified the struggle between the leading powers for dominance in the region. As a result, in the 2010s. ASEAN+ and Japan are developing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) project, China is beginning to promote the Belt and Road international cooperation organization. As a result of the transformation of international relations caused by the movement of the world from unipolar to multipolar, there is a change in the transformation of the geopolitical situation in East Asia. The United States returned to the «traditional» methods of confrontation, increasing tension in the region and the world

Identification of bio-markers for insulin resistance and sensitivity through multi-omics analysis

Aims: This study aims to identify multi-omics bio-markers for insulin resistance and sensitivity using machine learning approaches on a dataset integrated from several omics. Methods: The study included 362 patients with Insulin Resistance and Insulin Sensitivity from the Integrative Personal Omics Profiling (iPOP) database. Combining the multi-omics data from the Integrative Human Microbiome Project, this study used machine learning to reveal the relationship between insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity. Results: Of 362 patients 186 were insulin resistance and 176 were insulin sensitivity. 11,585 features were used, including clinical features, RNA transcripts, gut microbiota, cytokines, proteins, and metabolomics. We found 21 features capable of distinguishing insulin resistance from insulin sensitivity using a well-known artificial neural network (ANN) method. The model had an area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) of 0.97 in the validation dataset and 0.89 in the test dataset. The ANN model’s performance was compared with Random Forest model. Of the 21 new findings, two metabolites (methyl-uric acid and methylxanthine) are xenobiotics, and three RNA transcripts (SERPINF1, SLC2A2, and CHL1). Conclusion: A small number of multi-omics features identified from 11,585 potential candidates for a machine learning model can accurately predict insulin resistance and sensitivity.

The Procedure for Admitting New Members to the European Union: Legal Aspect

INTRODUCTION. The article is devoted to the process of accession of new states to the European Union (EU). The authors try to demonstrate the evolution of the procedure for admitting new members since the formation of the European Communities and identify the main subjects of this procedure.MATERIALS AND METHODS. The current research is based on various international legal documents, including the founding treaties of the European Union, as well as acts of EU institutions and doctrinal sources.RESEARCH RESULTS. The research represents a retrospective analysis of the formation of the procedure for accession of new members to the European Communities/EU. It was found out that the norms of the founding agreement set only the general legal framework of the procedure, and its specific content differed through out the existence of the European integration project. The actual content of the accession process is determined by the member states, which, through the institutions of the Communities/Union, primarily the Council and the European Council, formulate the criteria and principles of accession. The Commission also plays a significant role in the process. The role of the European Parliament in this procedure is insignificant, although this institution tries to increase its influence throughout the negotiation process. DISCUSSION AND COCLUSION. To sum up, the accession procedure is typologically close to a special legislative procedure. Since its origin the accession of new states to the EU has been transformed from a rule-making procedure enshrined in the founding treaties to a set of various instruments and practices, including non-legal (political) ones.

Urban Planning and Landscape Projects on Urban Riverbanks in Europe: Comparative Study of the Ebro River, Zaragoza, and the Isar River, Munich

The tension between rivers and cities reaches its highest expression in urban river basins. Given the high level of interaction between natural and cultural factors in many riverfronts, an integral project design is essential. The large number of urban river basin enhancement cases that have been conducted has resulted in a large amount of urban scientific literature. The multifaceted nature of these systems renders their analysis and contextualization a challenging endeavor. The objective of this research is to propose a novel evaluation tool based on a reformulation of Lynch’s theory of urban form performance, which has been updated from a landscape urbanism perspective. The conceptual framework provides a comprehensive method for translating diverse design strategies into comparable and meaningful categories. The results illustrate the impact of urban riverbank requalification initiatives on the formal quality dimensions of the city–river socio-ecological system. The assessment tool was applied to two cases: the Ebro River in Zaragoza (Spain) and the Isar River in Munich (Germany). Despite differences between the cases, comparative analysis revealed similar levels of urban landscape quality parameters and common elements that can provide new insights when considering the solutions applied and the degree of improvement in quality and river–city cohesion achieved with these projects.