Integration Ambitions Research Articles

Verborgene Transformation des autoritären Regionalismus: Biografien der Beamt*innen als Abbildung der Funktionen der Organisationen

AbstractAuthoritarian regionalism constitutes a challenging topic for empirical research due to a substantial gap between official mandates and the actual practices of regional organizations (ROs). While formally most authoritarian ROs “download” the global script of regionalism and imitate the European Union, in practice, they are used by their member states for different purposes than economic integration—in particular, to legitimize the nondemocratic regimes. At the same time, there are also examples of authoritarian ROs that go beyond simple autocracy-sustaining rhetoric and have actual policy implications. This paper argues that the differences between authoritarian ROs can be better observed if one looks not at the official mandates but at the background of their key officials. Using the case of post-Soviet Eurasia with its proliferation of authoritarian ROs, I show that a look at the biographies of officials clearly reveals the existence of two generations of ROs—one with primarily symbolic importance and one with actual economic integration ambitions.

World experience of legislative regulation for Lithium-ion electric vehicle batteries considering their second-life application in power sector

Understanding and incorporating global regulatory experiences and standards related to battery management is of greatest importance, particularly when considering the rapid evolution of the electric vehicle (EV) market and its implications for energy storage and sustainability. This is especially relevant for Ukraine, where the burgeoning secondary market for EVs and a keen interest in renewable energy sources underscore the need for proactive policy-making and standardization to address the challenges of battery second life and recycling. This article delves into the role of Electric Vehicle Lithium-Ion batteries within the ambit of the circular economy, underscoring the significance of legislative frameworks across the globe with a particular focus on European initiatives in light of Ukraine's EU integration ambitions. This encompasses extending battery life through recycling and repurposing, thereby ensuring both economic viability and minimal environmental footprint. The narrative outlines the varied legislative landscapes internationally, noting the differences in strategies from Asia's technological and safety emphasis to Europe's robust regulatory directives aimed at battery lifecycle management. In Europe, the drive towards sustainable battery utilization is marked by comprehensive policies like the EU Battery Directive and the emerging Regulation on Batteries and Waste Batteries, which set forth ambitious recycling targets and introduce innovative concepts like the battery passport. Drawing from this global overview, the article posits a set of recommendations for Ukraine, suggesting the development of extensive battery management legislation, adoption of European standards to smooth the path towards EU membership, investment in recycling infrastructures, fostering of public-private partnerships, and public awareness initiatives. These recommendations are designed to elevate Ukraine's position in the sustainability, promoting environmental stewardship and economic competitiveness. The growing importance of secondary lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles in supporting and harmonizing renewable energy sources is emphasized, and accordingly, the need for adequate legislation and standardization to support a closed-loop economy. Keywords: Lithium-Ion Batteries, Second-Life Application, EV Battery Life Cycle, Circular Economy, Repurpose, Reuse, Recycling, Standards, Regulation, Legislation.

Barreiers and opportunities of the Republic of Moldova as a future member of the European Union

Introduction. The article explores the challenges and prospects faced by the Republic of Moldova in its ambitions to become a member of the European Union. Moldova’s geopolitical location, situated between EU member states and Ukraine, makes it a significant participant in the Eastern Partnership program. The main barriers hindering Moldova’s path to EU membership, such as political instability, corruption, and economic disparities, have been analyzed. The impact of the Transnistria conflict on the country’s European integration ambitions has also been studied. Potential opportunities and advantages Moldova possesses, such as commitments to democratic reforms and association agreements with the EU, have been examined. The continuous support from the EU towards Moldova’s European integration through financial assistance and cooperation in political matters has been highlighted. A roadmap for realizing Moldova’s European ambitions has been proposed, and the consequences of its potential future membership in the European Union have been revealed.
 Purpose. The aim of the article is to analyze the economic, political, and geopolitical issues influencing the Eurointegration processes in the Republic of Moldova, particularly its status as a candidate for European Union membership.
 Methods. To achieve the stated goal of the article, several specialized research methods were employed, including analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, abstraction and concretization, systematization, and elements of comparative analysis. The methodological foundation for the research included national normative legal acts of the EU member states and the Republic of Moldova, as well as joint documents regulating integration processes. Additionally, scholarly works of domestic and foreign researchers, statistical reports, and other sources of information were utilized. This comprehensive approach facilitated a profound analysis and substantiation of conclusions regarding Moldova’s Eurointegration prospects and the necessity for implementing reforms to ensure successful membership in the European Union.
 Conclusions. The Republic of Moldova faces significant barriers, such as political instability, impeding the adoption of long-term reforms; widespread corruption affecting the business climate and investment potential; and economic disparities hindering regional development. Several promising opportunities for Moldova were identified during the research. These include commitments to democratic reforms and cooperation with the European Union. The conclusion was drawn that successful EU membership would grant Moldova substantial benefits, such as enhanced economic development, foreign investment attraction, access to the European market, and the promotion of contemporary standards across various sectors. The importance of implementing necessary reforms and changes to achieve Moldova’s Eurointegration goals and EU support in this process were emphasized.
 Discussion. The research findings indicate that the Republic of Moldova encounters internal and external barriers complicating its path to becoming a future member of the European Union. Political instability, corruption, and economic disparities remain significant obstacles to European integration. However, Moldova possesses the potential and opportunities for reforms and cooperation with the EU, increasing its chances of obtaining membership. EU support and commitment to democracy and European standards open doors to realizing potential advantages of EU membership. To succeed in Eurointegration processes, Moldova must continue implementing reforms and maintaining cooperation with the EU.

Work integration ambitions of startups in the circular economy

AbstractAn increasing number of studies illustrate and estimate the potential of the circular economy to create new jobs, most particularly for vulnerable groups at the labor market. This creates collaborating opportunities for Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs) and circular economy ventures. Since a shift to a circular economy requires new visions and strategies, startups are considered as powerful engines for the innovation processes needed to support a circular transition. Nevertheless, academic literature at the crossroads of the circular economy, work integration of target groups, and startups remains quasi non‐existent. In this paper we present results from survey‐data of startups with varying implementation levels of circular strategies, and assess their willingness to cooperate with WISEs, or to engage in other forms of target group employment. We find a strong positive relationship between the implementation of circular strategies and work integration ambitions among startups. Circular startups who need skills on production, transportation, and logistics seek collaboration with WISEs for both inner (repair and redesign) and outer circle (recycling) strategies. Our findings suggest that the circular social economy faces specific barriers that need tailor‐made enabling policies. We recommend WISEs to explicitly assess reskilling and upskilling opportunities while embracing the circular economy as a future‐proof economic activity.

Labor market amid the crisis and ways to improve its governmental regulation

Labor market amid the crisis and ways to improve its governmental regulation

Implementation of the customs policy of Ukraine amid improvement of its regulatory and legal support

Implementation of the customs policy of Ukraine amid improvement of its regulatory and legal support

The latest imperatives for the transformation of the EU budget system

Introduction. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, military-political, migration, terrorist, environmental and other security threats, European integration ambitions of Ukraine and other Eastern European countries, there is a markedly growing cognitive interest in various aspects of the EU’s functioning, including its financial and budgetary provisions. Analysis of recent research and publications. There are many attempts by European scientists to interpret and justify the structure of the revenues and expenditures of the EU budget. Materials and methods. The study is based on a systematic approach and is carried out using methods of empirical, historical-comparative, structural analysis, financial and statistical, graphic and some other general scientific methods. Results. In addition to structural composition of two parts inherent in any budget – revenue and expenditure – the EU budget system is cha-racterized by the presence of a number of additional elements and mechanisms due to the supranational features of its formation and dynamic target guidelines for the development of the integration association itself. In recent years, it has undergone significant transfor-mations. In order to promote accelerated post-pandemic recovery, an unpre¬cedented financial instrument «New Generation EU» has been created in the EU. Such new financial instruments as the Recovery and Resilience Facility, InvestEU and RescEU programs. Conclusions. The EU’s system of political priorities has been significantly transformed in recent years under the influence of the latest challenges and threats. From the fiscal point of view it improves the chances for Ukraine to implement its European integration aspirations after 2027.

Work Integration Ambitions of Startups in the Circular Economy

Work Integration Ambitions of Startups in the Circular Economy

СОЦІАЛЬНИЙ ЛІФТ ЯК ЗАСІБ РОТАЦІЇ ДЕРЖАВНИХ СЛУЖБОВЦІВ

The article is a study of reforming the civil service of Ukraine in terms of implementing an innovative approach to the selection of specialists. Various interpretations of the concept of "social ladder" and the prerequisites for the relevance of its introduction are considered. The peculiarities of the introduction of thesocial ladder on the Ukrainian labor market are noted. The importance of the following the certain steps in the implementation of the new strategy for the selection of civil servants was stressed. Emphasis is placed on the existing problems that hinder the introduction of the "social ladder" in the Ukrainian reality. The role of the state elite in preventing the full functioning of the social ladder as a tool for updating the professionals involved and creating obstacles to achieving certain goals is noted. Emphasis is placed on the expediency of ensuring the quality functioning of the social ladder in the Ukrainian civil service as a guarantor of European integration ambitions.

Addressing Social-Ecological Systems across Temporal and Spatial Scales: a Conceptual Synthesis for Ethnobiology

We develop an integrative conceptual framework for addressing social-ecological systems across different spatial and temporal scales. Ethnobiologists study social-ecological systems through the lens of heterogeneous disciplines from the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Despite the integrative ambitions of the field, ethnobiology often remains fragmented through research programs that emphasize different methods and scales. We propose a conceptual synthesis of three processes: (1) cognitive processing, (2) cultural transmission, and (3) biocultural evolution. We also discuss how social negotiation is embedded in them. By showing how these different processes interact across different spatial and temporal scales, we develop a framework for ethnobiological scholarship that can address complex dynamics in social-ecological systems.

Long-range role of natural gas in the EU green transition: analytical overview

Pan-European and national policy documents were reviewed that set the goals for the development of the European economy and energy. The objective of this paper is due to changes in European policy vision of the natural gas’s future prospects of in the context of establishing strict climatic requirements and the desire to achieve a carbon-neutral level of the European economy development. In previous periods, it was believed that until the 2040s-2050s we can expect the “Golden Age” of natural gas, which was due to the success of the revolution in the United States, significant expectations of a repeat of the US success of shale gas production in other parts of the world, increased transportation of natural gas by pipelines and LNG tankers; decreased growth rate of a nuclear energy and further cost reduction of a shale gas production. A change in the European energy policy towards the strengthening of environmental requirements, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and emerging of EU's role in combating climate change causes uncertainties regarding prospects of natural gas as an energy resource in Europe. By choosing the European vector of development, Ukraine is interested in meeting requirements of EU policy within the framework of its international obligations and European integration ambitions. This makes it necessary to adapt national development programs and strategies to new conditions and challenges that arise in the EU. The analysis of the main EU policy documents on prospects for the natural and other synthetic gases development allows us to begin to reassess national development plans for adapting the internal developed gas infrastructure to new market opportunities, which will permit Ukraine to increase its competitiveness in the gas market further, and consumers will be able to receive energy resources at more competitive prices and an appropriate quality of service. The complex of problematic issues that arise in the EU member states regarding the formation of incentives for the introduction of synthetic, green gases, adoption of appropriate regulatory mechanisms, formation of effective financial mechanisms that would attract investment in the development of a new infrastructure or development of new technologies requires from Ukraine to define priorities of its economic development, to form a roadmap for the energy system transformation in accordance with new international requirements, internal needs and economic opportunities to implement corresponding technological transformations. The central government after consultations with interested participants in the energy market should form a nationwide vision of the vector for the energy sector development in Ukraine and the place of natural gas in the energy supply of Ukraine until 2050.

Addressing Social-Ecological Systems Across Temporal and Spatial Scales: A Conceptual Synthesis for Ethnobiology

The aim of this article is to develop an integrative conceptual framework for addressing social-ecological systems across different spatial and temporal scales. Ethnobiologists study social-ecological systems through the lens of heterogeneous disciplines from the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Despite the integrative ambitions of the field, ethnobiology often remains fragmented through research programs that emphasize different methods and scales. This article proposes a conceptual synthesis of three processes of (1) cognitive processing, (2) cultural transmission, and (3) biocultural evolution. We also discuss how social negotiation is embedded in them. By showing how these different processes interact across different spatial and temporal scales, the article develops a framework for ethnobiological scholarship that can address complex dynamics in social-ecological systems.

Farewell to the Past Century?

The Russian authorities, supported by the representatives of the Russian cultural circles, celebrated 2018 as a year of harmonious reception of their literary traditions. Accordingly, the 100th anniversary of Alexander Solzhenitsyn’s birth was included into the series of commemorations and jubilees, minimizing, however, the problem of the Russian literature’s profound heterogeneity and inconsistency. Disregarding differences between literary currents, equalizing various, often contradictory intellectual phenomena can manifest that the Russian authorities search for a kind of cultural synthesis which will become a solid foundation of the Russianness in the XXI century. Nevertheless, their integrative ambitions are some how static or demobilizing. Moreover, these seem to be based on the conviction that cultural policy is not about determining and enhancing directions of further literary development but about assimilating and even restricting various artistic forces and traditions.

Miejsce ideologii oficjalnej narodnost’ w przestrzeni rosyjskiej myśli społeczno-politycznej lat 30. oraz 40. XIX stulecia

The aim of the text was to locate the Ideology of Official Nationality in the space of Russian socio-political thought of 30s and 40s of the 19 century. The ideology, elaborated by count Sergey Semionovich Uvarov (1786–1855), was not only one among many legitimizing concepts, created mainly in regard to please Nicolai I. This doctrine occurred also to be a central narrative, organizing and polarizing Russian public discourse until the end of the Romanov’s monarchy. At first, the intellectual camps emerged during Nicolas I’s reign treated the Uvarov’s proposition as a central point of reference. Then next generations of the Russian intelligentsia referred to it, including the representatives of nearly all currents within the Russian socio-political thought before 1917. However, the core of the ideology of official nationality, i.e. so called the Uvarov’s triade (Orthodoxy, Autocracy, and Nationality; Православие, Самодержавие, Народность) was burdened with an indispensible tension between the values entered into it. Namely, the reference to Orthodoxy (Православие) and Nationality (Народность) was expressing the integrative ambitions of Uvarov, who was searching for values which would enable to unify nearly all inhabitants of the Russian Empire. Nevertheless, Autocracy (Самодержавие), despite Uvarov’s desires and beliefs, was not a principle able to inspire people infi nitely to prefer group rather than individual aspirations. In fact, the last part of the Uvarov’s triade – signifying a variety of modern absolutism – promotes a particular kind of egotism and social atomism.

Performance management process integration in retail supply chains

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore and generate propositions of factors that affect the degree of performance management process integration in retail supply chains. Design/methodology/approach – The performance management processes of two retail supply chains were explored and their degree of process integration was classified. Differences in the degree of performance management process integration and affecting factors lead to the generation of five propositions. Findings – Dependence, brand importance, business process integration, performance demand and the existence of a performance management standard seem to be positively related to the degree of performance management process integration in the relation. Both factors that affect process integration in general and performance management process integration specifically are included. Some insights on integration in a vertically integrated retail chain were provided. Research limitations/implications – This study has specified the knowledge in process integration to the performance management process and expanded it into a retail context. It has generated a number of propositions on factors that affect the degree of performance management process integration, including a factor that was not found in previous research on manufacturing supply chains. The contribution to process integration theory is however limited until the propositions are validated in a broader study. Practical implications – Knowledge in affecting factors is useful when “performance management managers” need to communicate integration ambitions with other managers within and outside their own company. The detailed descriptions of performance management processes and integration practices can serve as inspiring benchmarks, as in the daily groceries supply chain, where the industry standard is especially interesting. They can also indicate practices to avoid, as in the home textiles supply chain. Another managerial take-away is the need to handle each relation, manufacturer-wholesaler and wholesaler-retailer store, with their specific affecting factors in specific ways. Originality/value – Previous knowledge on performance management process integration is mainly based on manufacturing companies. This study expands existing knowledge into a retail context.

Regionalism, activism, and rights: New opportunities for health diplomacy in South America

AbstractTackling germs, negotiating norms, and securing access to medicines are persistent challenges that disproportionally affect developing countries' participation in global health governance. Furthermore, over the last two decades, the excessive focus on global pandemics and security in global health diplomacy, rendered peripheral diseases that usually strike the poor and vulnerable, creating situations of marginalisation and inequality across societies. However, as the importance of regions and regionalism increases in global politics, and integration ambitions and initiatives extend beyond trade and investment to embrace welfare policy, there are new opportunities to explore whether and how regional commitments affect health equity and access to medicine in developing nations. What, if any, are the possibilities for meso-level institutions to provide leadership and direction in support of alternative practices of global (health) governance? Can regional polities become international advocacy actors in support of global justice goals? This article addresses these questions by analysing regional health diplomacy in South America. The article argues that regional organisations can become sites for collective action and pivotal actors in the advocacy of rights (to health) enabling diplomatic and strategic options to member state and nonstate actors, and playing a role as deal-broker in international organisations by engaging in new forms of regional health diplomacy.

The social and political realities of marine spatial planning: some land-based reflections

Abstract This paper highlights the value for marine spatial planning (MSP) of engaging with terrestrial planning theory and practice. It argues that the traditions of reflection, critique, and debate that are a feature of land-based planning can inform the development of richer theoretical underpinnings of MSP as well as MSP practice. The case is illustrated by tempering the view that MSP can be a rational planning process that can follow universal principles and steps by presenting an alternative perspective that sees MSP as a social and political process that is highly differentiated and place-specific. This perspective is discussed with reference to four examples. First, the paper considers why history, culture, and administrative context lead to significant differences in how planning systems are organized. Second, it highlights that planning systems and processes tend to be in constant flux as they respond to changing social and political viewpoints. Third, it discusses why the integration ambitions which are central to “spatial” planning require detailed engagement with locally specific social and political circumstances. Fourth, it focuses on the political and social nature of plan implementation and how different implementation contexts need to inform the design of planning processes and the style of plans produced.

An Ambitious Failure: Conceptualising the EU Approach to Rule of Law Promotion (in Ukraine)

This article conceptualises the EU approach to rule of law promotion outside of accession, taking Ukraine as a case study. Empirical evidence, collected through document analysis, expert interviews and participant observation, reveals that the rule of law as a legal and political category in EU external relations has little to do with the essentialist scholarly definitions of the concept. Instead, it constitutes an abstract ideal which frames bilateral cooperation at the political level and a banner under which the parties realise a variety of activities at the practical level. This EU approach is deliberate and meant to allow for defining the rule of law in harmony with the parties’ integration ambitions, priorities and domestic institutional contexts. The article concludes with a discussion of the findings’ implications for future policy and research.

Rising to the integration ambitions of Marine Spatial Planning: Reflections from the Irish Sea

Abstract Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is emerging as key tool in the delivery of more effective sea use management and the integration ambitions of MSP are central to its rise to prominence. This paper reviews three key strands of thinking (integrated coastal and ocean management; integrated water resource management; and terrestrial spatial planning) that are informing the development of MSP and sets out a framework encompassing different dimensions of integration that those engaged in MSP might find it helpful to consider. The paper then explores how this framework can inform MSP development and related activity by using it to structure reflections on experience in the Irish Sea. Here the paper draws upon the outputs of a project that was funded by the UK's Economic and Social Research Council concerning Transnational Partnership Working in Support of Marine Spatial Planning in the Irish Sea. The analysis highlights the integration strengths and weaknesses associated with the emerging MSP structures in the Irish Sea and areas where further attention may be beneficial. The paper concludes by reflecting upon the value of the integration framework proposed, how it could be developed, and on key issues that those engaged in MSP in other contexts might need to address in rising to the integration ambitions of MSP.

Bridging school‐subjects and distances in upper secondary schools

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to report how Swedish upper secondary schools involved in a European Union‐financed collaborative project intertwined aspects of subject integration and international collaboration with the use of ICT.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology used is a case study in which aspects of subject integration and international collaborative ambitions are intertwined with the use of ICT. Data consist of interviews with participants, texts concerning the project, the participating school, and the Swedish upper secondary schools system.FindingsTeachers and students have worked towards the objectives in the project and in the national curricula, and the case shows how difficult and how many barriers there are to overcome. Even though the curricula seem difficult to coordinate, students appear to have learnt more about the European perspective, as well as about themselves, through the approach. The teacher describes student motivation as high – authenticity and real people to collaborate with support the students' experience of a holistic education, which applies to real life. The teacher tried to change the role towards providing students with structure and advice, monitoring their progress, and assessing their accomplishments, but reported to be struggling with the teacher role.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates originality and value by providing important insight into the use of ICT in upper secondary schools for the purpose of collaboration and at the same time working towards joint curricular themes.