non-EU Member Research Articles

Council

This overview highlights the Council’s (i) adoption of the anti-money laundering package, and (ii) its authorization to open negotiations to enhance tax transparency between the European Union and five non-EU Member States.

Long-term impact of basin-wide wastewater management on faecal pollution levels along the entire Danube River

The Danube River is, at 2857 km, the second longest river in Europe and the most international river in the world with 19 countries in its catchment. Along the entire river, faecal pollution levels are mainly influenced by point-source emissions from treated and untreated sewage of municipal origin under base-flow conditions. In the past 2 decades, large investments in wastewater collection and treatment infrastructure were made in the European Union (EU) Member States located in the Danube River Basin (DRB). Overall, the share of population equivalents with appropriately biologically treated wastewater (without disinfection) has increased from 69% to more than 85%. The proportion of tertiary treatment has risen from 46 to 73%. In contrast, no comparable improvements of wastewater infrastructure took place in non-EU Member States in the middle and lower DRB, where a substantial amount of untreated wastewater is still directly discharged into the Danube River. Faecal pollution levels along the whole Danube River and the confluence sites of the most important tributaries were monitored during four Danube River expeditions, the Joint Danube Surveys (JDS). During all four surveys, the longitudinal patterns of faecal pollution were highly consistent, with generally lower levels in the upper section and elevated levels and major hotspots in the middle and lower sections of the Danube River. From 2001 to 2019, a significant decrease in faecal pollution levels could be observed in all three sections with average reduction rates between 72 and 86%. Despite this general improvement in microbiological water quality, no such decreases were observed for the highly polluted stretch in Central Serbia. Further improvements in microbiological water quality can be expected for the next decades on the basis of further investments in wastewater infrastructure in the EU Member States, in the middle and lower DRB. In the upper DRB, and due to the high compliance level as regards collection and treatment, improvements can further be achieved by upgrading sewage treatment plants with quaternary treatment steps as well as by preventing combined sewer overflows. The accession of the Western Balkan countries to the EU would also significantly boost investments in wastewater infrastructure and water quality improvements in the middle section of the Danube. Continuing whole-river expeditions such as the Joint Danube Surveys is highly recommended to monitor the developments in water quality in the future.

Adoption of an evidence-based practice approach in the child and family care system in Europe: A comparative survey study

The European policy is placing a strong emphasis onadopting an evidence-based practice (EBP) approach. However, this process has not been sufficiently described and comparatively explored between countries with different family policies, delivery systems, target populations and professional cultures of evaluation and intervention. This study proposed a multicomponent model of implementation strategies to empirically examine the degree of adoption of EBP at national, agency, and practitioner levels in a sample of20 member countries of the European family support network: A bottom-up, evidence-based and multidisciplinary approach (EurofamNet), with a great geographical distribution and different political status: 12 EU members, 6 EU candidate members and 2 non-EU members. Consensual responses to the survey (17 questions) were provided by members of EurofamNet national networks made up of entities at the national, regional, and local levels across sectors. Three clusters of responses were identified, Cluster 1 Initial Level (30%, mainly EU candidates), Cluster 2 Medium Level (40%, EU and non-EU members) and Cluster 3 Advance level (30%, EU and non-EU members). Countries at the Initial Level showed a lack of / or less degree of achievement in the implementation strategies. Countries at the Medium and Advance levels showed progressive steps towards EBP adoption through the implementation of collaborative leadership, translational efforts on agreed EBP guidelines, official recognition of services and professional teams applying EBP guidelines, multi-agency and intersectoral EBP adoption, professional training on EBP guidelines, and dissemination strategies. Our findings highlight the complexity of the transformation process and the multiple determinants involved in bringing the quality standards into the practice environment. Lines of improvement are suggested to help countries reinforce the culture of quality assurance in the child and family services.

Financial development and environmental degradation: insights from European countries

ABSTRACT We investigate the relationship between financial development and environmental quality during 1996–2019 in a panel analysis of 40 European countries, of which 28 EU and 12 non-EU member countries. We built four empirical models to check the connection between financial development and environmental degradation while controlling for GDP growth, trade openness, FDI, and energy consumption. We applied the Dynamic Common Correlated Effects (DCCE) estimator because of cross-sectional dependence (CSD) among the panel cross-sections. Our findings report a positive association between financial development and environmental degradation for the entire panel of European countries. The subsequent analysis of sub-groups shows that this is particularly the case for non-EU member countries and countries with a high level of financial development. Furthermore, there is a bidirectional causality between financial development, energy consumption or trade openness, and environmental degradation in European countries.

Affordability of cigarettes in ten Southeastern European countries between 2008 and 2019

BackgroundThe empirical evidence shows that tobacco consumption is strongly associated with its affordability. The nominal growth in tobacco prices imposed by taxation should exceed or at least keep pace with...

Court of Justice

This overview highlights the Court’s decision on legislation of a Member State that (i) imposes tax on income received by a resident individual as remuneration from a non-EU Member State in exchange for providing work expertise on an EU-financed project (Case C-321/22), and (ii) that fully taxes capital gains derived by resident individuals on transfers of shares held in foreign companies while providing for a 50% tax exemption in respect of domestic share transfers (Case C-472/22).

Origin Region Wealth Effect and Inbound Tourism to Europe

Despite the role of wealth in modeling the propensity to consume luxurious goods and services, the literature has so far neglected the role of wealth as inferred from the stock market in modeling tourism inflow. Using 43 European countries over the period 1994???2019, we demonstrate that demand-side wealth effect as inferred from the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) indexes is an important determinant of inbound tourism. We find that a good financial mood extrapolated from the bullish wealth effect positively influences the inflow of tourists to Europe. The effect of the relationship between external wealth effect and inbound tourism is higher for non-EU member countries and countries in Eastern Europe. Lastly, we find that the wealth effect in the US was an important factor in predicting inbound tourism during the global financial crisis.

Gender Disparity Index in European Former Communist States: Assessing the Influence of EU Membership

This research is a reflection on the new challenges in former European communist countries in three areas of gender equality. The analysis employs the gender disparity index (GDI), which encompasses life expectancy, education, and income indices, each equally weighted by gender. The former communist states are categorized into two clusters: the first comprising European Union (EU) member states, and the second consisting of non-EU member states or those in the integration process. The findings indicate pervasive gender-based inequalities across the former European communist bloc. This study offers critical insights for countries seeking EU accession, highlighting the need for targeted policies to address gender disparities in multiple domains. Contrary to the hypothesis positing a connection between feminine cultural values and gender egalitarian practices, the data do not support this assertion. The implications of this research are particularly pertinent for aspiring EU member states, who must navigate issues of monopolism while striving to establish effective principles of business efficiency.

New Generation EU Agreements – The Basis for Future World Trade

International trade agreements contribute to the development of international trade and services. The European Union is currently modernizing the system and structure of international agreements related to international trade, investment and services. The aim of the scientific study is to clarify and identify the characteristic features of the agreements of new generation that are concluded between the European Union and non-EU member states. Based on the facts, we can confirm that trade policy supports, among others, values such as the protection of human rights, the protection of labor rights, the environment and the fight against climate change. Such an approach of the European Union to the liberalization of world trade through comprehensive trade agreements is also supported by the strategy of the European Commission „Trade for All”.

Trends in Physical Activity and Motor Development in Young People-Decline or Improvement? A Review.

This paper aims to analyse studies and research conducted in EU and non-EU member states to identify and compare trends in physical activity and motor skills. Thus, a comparative overview of the state of the art in the two pre-pandemic decades that can facilitate an understanding of the different territorial realities and training needs to be conducted, considering the different cultural situations. A scoping review was conducted by analysing a series of studies published between 1990 and 2022, including only those studies that collected data in the pre-pandemic period. The search was carried out on databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. The following keywords were used for the acquisition of relevant studies: children, decline, motor skills, physical activity, and young people. From the literature review emerged clearly in all the longitudinal surveys a negative trend of body mass index (BMI), which was increasing in all the countries analysed, and cardiorespiratory fitness, which, in close relation to the increase in overweight levels, was in decline. If an unambiguous trend could be declared for the variables just mentioned, it was not possible to declare the same trend for the other variables analysed, which showed discordant results between the different countries.

The proposal for a regulation on the recognition of parenthood: An attempt to recognize surrogacy in the European Union?

Within the European Union, EU, a proposal for a Regulation on the recognition of parenthood has been in the pipeline since December 2022. If approved, the filiation of a child will be determined by the law of the country where the pregnant woman habitually resides, even if it is a non-EU Member State. The text obliges States to recognize birth certificates issued by third countries establishing the parentage of a child born from surrogacy agreements. In this paper, we analyze how the proposal interferes with the exclusive competences of EU Member States to regulate parentage and with the rules of international human rights law, including the European Court of Human Rights' case law.

Rewarding mobility? Towards a realistic European policy agenda for academics at risk

This article maps from a critical and comparative perspective how scholars at risk are currently being integrated into the European research infrastructure, as well as in various EU and non-EU Member States. The focus is on three countries ranging from older to newer EU members to one non-EU member state—Hungary, Romania and the United Kingdom—as well as on EU-level organisations. We draw on twelve in-depth interviews conducted with key stakeholders involved in the process of academic migration (non-governmental organisations, EU and national level actors) to identify key issues concerning academics at risk. Finally, we call for a robust EU-level response to an issue that is currently inadequately addressed by national governments, professional associations and NGOs. As we argue, the focus on mobility as a factor supporting research excellence in the regular European research infrastructure can have negative unintended outcomes for scholars at risk. For many of them, rewarding mobility can entail the threat of losing their legal status in temporary places of migration. What is needed is a nuanced approach for scholars at risk in a diverse range of situations, which should involve closer cooperation between international academic bodies and EU policy makers, and complement support for those who need to escape to third countries with the offer of remote work in the country where they are able to obtain a secure residence permit.

Analysis of the model of regulation of cross-border insolvency under German law

The article is devoted to the analysis of the model of regulation of cross-border insolvency under German law. The purpose of the article is the scientific understanding and identification of the characteristic features of the model of regulation of cross-border insolvency under German law.
 The presence of dualism in the legal regulation of the cross-border insolvency procedure under German law for EU member states and non-EU member states has been ascertained.
 It is argued that there are five types of proceedings in the cross-border insolvency procedure under the provisions of the German insolvency Statute 1) main proceedings; 2) secondary proceedings; 3) domestic secondary proceedings; 4) foreign proceedings; 5) territorial proceedings), as well as the absence of a legally established definition of these concepts.
 The absence of the concept of the debtor’s COMI was found in the provisions of the German insolvency Statute, even despite the fact that such a concept exists in the regulatory act itself, such concept does not fall under the classical understanding of cross-border insolvency, because it concerns the insolvency of a group of companies. The similarity of the provisions of the German insolvency Statute regarding the regulation of cross-border insolvency with the provisions of the predecessor acts of the 19th century regarding the same issue, as well as the exploitation of even similar terminology in relation to territorial proceedings, is proven. The almost complete impossibility of universalism in accordance to the provisions of the German insolvency Statute on cross-border insolvency has been proven, despite the presence, at first glance, of an environment favorable to the implementation of the mentioned theory.
 It is substantiated that the modern procedure of cross-border insolvency in Germany for third countries that are not members of the EU embodies the theory of territorialism. It has been proven that the existing territorial ideology of cross-border insolvency in modern Germany can be traced back to the existence of the Konkursordnung of 1877.
 By virtue of improving the legislation of Ukraine on bankruptcy, it is proposed to add a new Book to the Bankruptcy Code of Ukraine, which would contain the regulation of the cross-border insolvency procedure.

IMPACT OF INVESTMENTS ON FOOD SECURITY ACCESS: CASE OF EU AND NON-EU MEMBER COUNTRIES

Agriculture around the world faces a number of challenges. The aim of this paper is to investigate the impact of gross investments and agriculture investments on the level of food security in the member countries of the European Union (EU) and non-EU member countries. In the paper as a method of research hierarchical regression analysis was used. The results of the research showed that there is a statistically significant influence of gross investments and agriculture investments on the level of food security in the EU and non-EU member countries. The largest amount of gross investments and investments in agriculture was recorded in Croatia and Slovenia, as a EU members countries, which have the highest level of food security. On the other hand, the lowest volume of gross investments and investments in agriculture was recorded in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as non-EU member country, which has the lower level of food security.

Green Deal and Climate Pact as a Lighthouse and for Public Health in Europe

Abstract Public health professionals (PHP) have a dual task in climate change. They should persuade colleagues in clinical medicine of the importance of all the issues covered by the European Green Deal (EGD). The fact that the health sector contributes to the overall emissions of 4.4% states to the lack of awareness within the health sector itself. Strengthening the opportunities and development of the circular economy within healthcare is more than just a current issue. The second task of PHP is targeting the population digitally. The PH mission is being implemented, inter alia, through numerous activities related to environmental monitoring and assessment of the impact on health. EGD and European Climate Pact (ECP) are a lighthouse for priorities and actions in PH, bearing in mind: an ambitious goal of climate neutrality, an insistence on clean, affordable and safe energy, a strategy for a clean and circular economy. The ECP is an opportunity for citizens but especially for health professionals, to participate in climate action across Europe, to learn about climate change, develop and implement solutions. As part of the EGD, ECP aims to become a space to act on the climate crisis, and offer support for a European climate movement but also to health care professionals to act and implement innovative solutions. ECP and role of Climate pact Ambassadors give opportunities for actions in health care and wider. EGD is a leadership step in the global framework towards a healthier future and comprises all the non-EU members. The PH sector should involve the EGD as an argument for achieving goals at national levels, and align national PH policies with the goals of this document. There is a need for stronger advocacy of public health interests and sustainability into all health policies. Achieving goals requires more environmentally education process for healthcare professionals covering all of topics of climate change, PH digitalization and air pollution to a much greater extent.

Psychosocial Integration Of Foreign Students Within The Faculty Of Dental Medicine In Craiova

Intercultural education in the Romanian space is an insufficiently addressed topic. Against the background of the significant increase in foreign students who choose to study at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Craiova, as well as the implementation of study programs in English which in turn have attracted many students from both European and non-EU countries we decided to develop a study aimed at the socio-cultural integration capacity of students at the Faculty of Dental Medicine in Craiova with a teaching program in English. The general objectives of the study aim at the following aspects: the degree of social integration of students; degree of satisfaction of educational needs; the effectiveness of the feedback system; problems encountered throughout the years of study: conflicts, discrimination phenomena, etc.the quality of courses and internships compared to their countries of origin. The target group of the study is represented by the students of Dental Medicine from Craiova, within the teaching program in English, study years I-III. The students who participated in this study come from both EU and non-EU member states. The total number of students enrolled in this study program is 93, and in our study a total of 71 respondents gave their informed consent to complete the distributed questionnaire.

Ties that bind and ties that compel: Dependency and the Ruiz Zambrano doctrine

In EU citizenship law, dependency is a pivotal concept when it comes to the rights of non-EU family members of Union citizens. Under certain circumstances, those family members may earn a derived right to reside, either because they are dependent on a Union citizen or the latter depends on them. The concept of dependency is particularly crucial in the Ruiz Zambrano doctrine, according to which Article 20 TFEU grants a derivative right to reside in the EU citizen’s home State to the non-EU family member if their departure would compel the dependent Union citizen to leave the territory of the EU as a whole, thus impinging on the substance of citizenship rights. Due to the significance of dependency in Ruiz Zambrano cases, where it triggers the application of EU law, that concept is continuously evolving. This article, therefore, aims to review the development of the notion of dependency, its intertwined dimensions – legal, financial, and emotional – highlighting the differences in the degree of dependency expected in free movement (when required) and in Ruiz Zambrano cases, and the increasingly divergent role of fundamental rights in the appraisal of dependency for children and adults. EU citizenship law, dependency, Ruiz Zambrano doctrine, third-country nationals, free movement law

Korupcija kao poticaj za iseljavanje iz Hrvatske

This paper represents an initial step in testing the correlation between corruption and state capture on the one side and emigration as a consequence on the other. The study is based on our qualitative and quantitative research conducted in Germany on a sample of 1734 recently emigrated Croatians from 2016 to 2020 and on our new research on corruption and clientelism as a push factor for emigration from Croatia. The primary hypothesis is that migration and corruption trends are correlated and that with the growth of the emigration of young workers from Croatia, the corruption rate in the country increases even more. The second part of the research was conducted on a sample of small, medium and large companies throughout Croatia. Requests to participate were sent to 2500 companies in all Croatian counties, and 178 companies responded. The questions intended to assess so-called “state capture” in Croatia according to a concept developed by Hellman et al. (2000). We measured the capture of the judiciary, the executive and the legislature in the Republic of Croatia and the perception of bribery, corruption and clientelism in companies. Results: nepotism 71%, bribery 66%, rigging public tenders 93% significantly disrupt business. Companies rate the Government, Parliament and the judiciary as the worst public services. As many as 59% of companies believe that the Croatian judiciary is corrupt. Among the measures that companies unconditionally support are the revision of transformation and privatisation (82%) and the examination of the origin of assets (76%). The study results undoubtedly show that Croatia is even more corrupt today (2022) than it was as a non-EU member. The opening of borders has certainly facilitated emigration from Croatia, but this paper shows that emigration would not be so intense if the state and the society were not “captured”.

Comparing the efficiency of technology and innovation of the EU and selected countries: the effects of EU framework programs

Objective: This study has two purposes. The first is to determine the relatively impact of EU framework programs (Lisbon Strategy to Horizon 2020) on the level of technological efficiency by comparing them with EU members and non-EU members selected countries. This paper also to compare technology efficiency of the EU member countries separately and as a union. The second is purpose to evaluate technological efficiency scores and the economic growth rates of the EU and the selected countries.Originality/Relevance: The relative efficiency of the technology and innovation of the EU was compared with other selected countries for 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2018 and evaluated. In previous studies, we could not find a study evaluating the long-term impact of the European Union's framework programs and its efficiency of innovation.Methodology/approach: For measuring efficiency, DEA method was used with two inputs and four outputs which is represented the technology and innovations.Main results: The evidence shows that the efficiency of the technology and innovation of the EU was quite low in 2000, and it has reached an increasing trend over the years and reached the full efficient in 2015 and 2018. The analyses which were done separately for 26 EU countries, the efficiency scores are relatively low among EU countries. It reveals that the EU provides a strong platform for R&D collaborations for creative destruction.Social/management contributions: The EU should continue to design promoting cooperation networks, frameworks programs to support stable economic growth patterns and long-term technology-based growth targets, considering the distinctive features of its economic system.

Policy Transfer Framework in the Environmental Governance of Non-EU and EU Member Countries: A Comparative Analysis of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia

This study offers a comprehensive examination of environmental governance within the European Union (EU), focusing on the comparative experiences of Bosnia and Herzegovina (a non-EU member) and Croatia (an EU member). The research uses policy transfer theory to investigate the practicality and effectiveness of EU-led environmental initiatives when implemented at state and local levels. The study reveals a disconnect between these initiatives and their execution, with corruption and fragile political arrangements identified as significant barriers to environmental protection. The research further underscores the complex nature of EU-driven environmental governance policies and the impact of post-war political agreements and transitional struggles on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s and Croatia’s governance structures. The methodology involves a detailed analysis of the legal frameworks, policies, and plans employed by the EU and the countries under study. The results highlight the importance of context and capacity in evaluating the effectiveness of environmental governance. The study contributes to understanding environmental governance in the EU context and provides insights into the challenges and opportunities for policy transfer to state-level governments.