Policies Of Member States Research Articles

Dismantling labour markets from above: the case of wage policy in the European Union

Abstract Are countries reforming their labour market constrained by external political or financial institutions? This article analyses the supranational pressures impacting wage policy in European member states. Theoretically, it takes inspiration from the literature on international financial markets to analyse the key phases of a nascent multi-level policy cycle, where the European Commission plays a pivotal role. Empirically, it distinguishes between wage policy prescriptions (CSR database, 2011–2019, complemented with EUR-Lex) and reform events (LabRef database, 2008–2019) granting more or less protection to workers. Methodologically, it employs mixed regression models with country and year random intercepts finding out that: (a) the Commission, when recommending wage policy, unambiguously prefers reforms reducing workers’ protection, thus displaying preferences aligned with those of international financial institutions; (b) through external conditionality, the pressures stemming from such biased approach exert a tangible impact on national policymaking, ultimately resulting in weakened labour market institutions and reduced well-being of workers.

EUROPEAN SECURITY AND DEFENCE – KEY ELEMENTS OF DEEP INTEGRATION AT THE LEVEL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

The purpose of this article is to highlight the key elements in European security and defence that enables a deeper integration within the European Union. The security and defence represent a fundamental domain in the European architecture, a benchmark, and a challenge regarding the loyal cooperation between Member States.The methodology used is represented by a synthetic qualitative documentary analysis with an additional quantitative support.The research hypothesis is related to the correlation of key elements in the field of security and defence with the development of a deeper integration of Member States into the European project. As their own defence and security policies belong to the Member States, the research question will provide the answer to whether key elements in European security and defence generate better cooperation between Member States and deeper integration.This article aims to provide a profound understanding of the obligations, challenges, and the impact on the Member States policy on common defence. Following the latest developments in implementing the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence, new steps should be taken to achieve the common defence goal.The presentation will also seek to highlight whether the coherence of Member States policies on achieving the common goal is linked to their deeper integration into the European project.

Cyclical Inclusive Growth Model of the European Union

This article analyzes the distinctive features of the contemporary cyclical inclusive growth model within the European Union (EU). As an integration entity, the EU contends with a series of internal challenges that impede its development, arising from the divergent economic interests of member states and the uneven distribution of the costs and benefits of the 'twin transition' in the context of Europe’s declining global competitiveness. Exploring the nuances of inclusive growth in the EU, particularly the role of citizen participation in societal progress, offers a valuable framework for understanding the social and economic contradictions both within and between member states. The study commences with a critical review of existing definitions of inclusive growth, laying the groundwork for an in-depth analysis of the EU model.The research employs quantitative methods to compare EU member states using the UNCTAD Inclusive Growth Index and additional indicators of social and economic development and well-being. It also evaluates the outcomes of the 'Europe 2020' strategy, which aimed to establish inclusive growth targets for the EU by 2020. The findings reveal that the highest levels of inclusive growth are concentrated in northern and continental European countries, whereas Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) exhibit significantly lower levels. The analysis further uncovers key contradictions, such as the tension between reducing socio-economic inequality and promoting economic growth, the generational conflict over the ‘green economy,’ and the misalignment of interests between smaller and larger EU economies.Despite the initiatives under the 'Europe 2020' strategy, the study observes a shift in the priorities of EU citizens concerning inclusive growth. The research identifies fundamental characteristics of the EU's inclusive growth model, marked by a cycle of emerging and resolving social and economic contradictions at the Union level. A notable aspect of this model is the increasing complexity and multiplicity of contradictions, alongside a growing emphasis on subjective well-being and the fulfillment of intangible individual needs. The insights derived from this analysis have practical implications for developing inclusive growth support measures within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and can aid in defining priorities and mechanisms for the social and economic policies of EAEU member states.

JA ImpleMENTAL Implementing the Belgian Best Practice on Community Mental Health system Reform

Abstract Mental health challenges affect more than one in six people across the EU. In order to support Member States to proceed with mental health care system transformation and suicide prevention JA ImpleMENTAL, was initiated on the request of Member States, on October 2021 under the European Union 3rd Health Program. The JA consists of 39 organizations from 21 countries, more than 180 persons are working. Two advisory bodies support the consortium and provide their insights and expertise, a stakeholder forum with 10 key European Organizations in Mental Health including EUPHA Mental Health Section and WHO Europe and OECD, and the Member State Policy Committee which ensures the involvement of ministries and enables the practices to be embedded in health systems. Within the 11 countries implementing pilots under the Belgium model using a common Implementation Strategy, a total 163 activities are implemented under the 5 following key areas: 62 on structural measures needed for the establishment of local networks promoting a user’s centered, human’s right based recovery approach, 43 for the development and/or transformation of mental health services, 22 on training & capacity building in support of the reform and cultural change, 22 on continuous communication, information and awareness raising, and 13 on data collection, monitoring and evaluation. An analysis of MS pilot action plans shows that most service transformation efforts have concentrated on: defining care pathways for people at risk and for those with mild to severe mental health conditions including smooth transition from child and adolescent to Adult Mental Health services, as well as from inpatient to community services, the nomination of case managers for assisting individuals to their recovery process the development of individual service plans, the Involvement of users in various layers of service delivery including peer support and the provision of assertive treatment through mobile units.

Migration Management in the Countries of the Eurasian Economic Union: A Comparative Analysis

The article presents a comparative analysis of migration management in the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (hereinafter referred to as the EAEU). Both common features and differences in approaches to migration management are analyzed. The purpose of the article is a comparative analysis of the migration policies of the EAEU member states with an emphasis on identifying key problems and specific features, considering national peculiarities in the management of migration processes. The novelty lies in a comprehensive comparative analysis of the migration legislation of the EAEU member states, which has not been conducted so far. The article presents a systematization of the mechanisms used to manage migration, as well as their critical assessment in terms of effectiveness and impact on migration processes in the region. The article uses an interdisciplinary approach combining the analysis of statistical data, political and strategic documents of the participating countries. The study offers recommendations for improving interstate cooperation in the field of migration and improving the efficiency of migration management within the EAEU, as well as for developing a unified and coordinated migration policy of the Union, which is especially relevant in the context of the social dynamics of current geopolitical challenges.

Review of foreign experience of professional adaptation of war veterans

Problem setting. After the end of the war, most of the veterans will be an economically active stratum of the population, who will need active support from the state when reintegrating into civilian life, but in return will be able to benefit the country by remaining active subjects of the national economy. The preservation and development of this potential is critically important both for the post-war recovery of Ukraine and for the establishment of social justice in relation to defenders. The study of foreign experiences is an important step in order to learn effective practices that can be adapted and applied to the Ukrainian context. Despite the fact that the experience of other countries does not always fully correspond to Ukrainian realities, it contains useful lessons and methods that can be modified to solve the specific challenges that Ukraine faces. Analysis of recent researches and publications. Such domestic researchers as V.P. Kokhan, A.S. Kolisnyk, O.V. Shapovalova, V.I. Sheverdina, T. Zakharina, V.K. Malolitneva, R.A. Jabrailov. M. Bazaeva studied foreign experience using the example of the USA. At the same time, there is no comprehensive overview of foreign policy regarding the support of veterans and their reintegration into civilian life in domestic works. Purpose of research is to carry out a general review of foreign experience in issues of support for veterans using the example of the USA, EU, Germany, France and Great Britain. Article`s main body. The article examines the issue of professional adaptation of veterans as a key element in the successful reintegration of military personnel into civilian life. It outlines the experiences of the United States, the European Union, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom to identify effective veteran support practices that could be adapted to the Ukrainian context. The focus is on the legal and organizational aspects of veteran policies, including legislative support and the involvement of both governmental and non-governmental organizations in the outlined area. The article concludes that the United States has a well-developed system of veteran support, primarily driven by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Special attention is given to the functioning of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC). It is suggested that the establishment of a similar specialized judicial body could be an important step for Ukraine to effectively protect veterans’ rights in the post-war period. The article highlights the absence of unified legislation on veterans within the European Union. Nevertheless, it emphasizes the role of pan-European non-governmental organizations in this field, such as the European Confederation of Veterans. The legal and institutional framework for veteran policies in specific EU member states, particularly Germany and France, is also discussed. Special attention is given to the experience of the United Kingdom, which aspires to have the most advanced veteran support system. It is noted that the strategic approach to veteran policy, particularly through the Veterans’ Strategy Action Plan 2022-2024, provides long-term legal certainty for veterans and enhances the effectiveness of state policy. Conclusions and prospects for the development. The article underlines that professional adaptation of veterans is a critical precondition for successful post-war recovery in Ukraine and the preservation of veterans’ economic activity. The use of foreign experience, particularly the creation of specialized judicial bodies, the development of national veteran support strategies, and the active involvement of non-governmental organizations, could become a subject of further discussion aimed at finding the optimal path for building an effective veteran support system in Ukraine.

The impact of national policies on Europe-wide power system transition towards net-zero 2050

This research aims to investigate the potential impact of national policies on the attainment of Europe's goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Specifically, it analyses the effects of policies on the power sector, by evaluating capacity expansion portfolios, import reliance, and costs by 2050. A linear programming model, the IESA-EUPS, is utilized to optimize the expansion and operation of the power system, considering 28 nodes and hourly temporal resolution. The study includes five scenarios from 2020 to 2050, with varying levels of biomass and nuclear penetration based on existing member state policies. Results show that by 2050, changes mainly occur in the interplay between firm capacities and cross-border transmission levels. Limiting biomass can significantly increase nuclear energy generation, while enforcing all policies leads to a 40 % rise in cross-border transmission by 2050, due to imbalances between countries. Some member states, such as Spain and Finland, are less affected, whereas others are heavily reliant on firm nuclear capacities. Western European countries with strict biomass and nuclear restrictions may see a boost in nuclear installations in countries allowing it. Member states without both nuclear and biomass may rely more on variable renewables, resulting in surplus electricity and increased LCOE.

ПРАВОВАЯ ПОЛИТИКА ГОСУДАРСТВ-ЧЛЕНОВ ЕАЭС В СФЕРЕ РЕАЛИЗАЦИИ ПЕНСИОННЫХ ПРАВ

The article discusses issues of legal policy of the EAEU member states in the field of implementation of pension rights of citizens using the comparative method. Based on the legislative practices of states, the author examines the models of state pension systems and highlights their specifics and common, advantageous features. In the process of the study, the essence and direction of reforms of state pension systems were established, aimed at solving a number of problems in reducing social tensions, with the gradual release of the budget from the burden of pension payments, reducing the unemployment rate, which helps to increase the interest of citizens in pension savings and stimulate the personal responsibility of citizens for pension provision for a decent standard of living when acquiring pension rights. It is noted that one of the fundamental principles and norms of international law in the system of protection of social and labor human rights is the right to pension provision, guaranteed by the constitutions of the EAEU member states and their obligations to fulfill the ILO minimum social standards to provide citizens with at least 40% of the level of pensions in relation to average salary. At the same time, states should direct efforts to implement policies to ensure employment, protection against unemployment and the development of non-state investment institutions in the field of pensions.

Social value framing of physical activity in European Member State policies: a content analysis.

Engagement in physical activity (PA) benefits physical and mental health as well as many other areas of society. In Europe however, 1/3 adults do not meet minimum PA recommendations. Social value, and its quantification through social return on investment (SROI) evidence, may be a useful framing to enhance PA promotion. This study aimed to assess the current use of social value framing of PA in European Union (EU) policies. Content analysis of 45 EU member state policies which contain reference to PA was conducted to evaluate the presence of five social value domains and SROI evidence. Data was analysed using manual inductive coding, supported by DeepL translation and NVivo tools. Social value framing was present to a certain extent in existing policies, with improved health being the most commonly referenced benefit of PA, followed by reference to social and community and then environmental benefits. Acknowledgement of the positive impacts of PA on wellbeing and education was the least present. Reference to SROI evidence was also limited. Generally, policies lacked holistic recognition of the social value of PA. Policies from the health sector were particularly limited in recognising the wider benefits of PA, whilst those from the environmental sector acknowledged the widest range of co-benefits. Adopting social value framing could be a useful approach for enhancing PA promotion. Whilst it is present to a certain extent in existing policy, this could be increased in terms of comprehensiveness to increase issue salience and multisectoral policy action.

Environmental Effects of Green Bonds and Other Forms of Financing in the European Union

Prioritising the implementation of environmental policies is a cornerstone for European Union member states. While sharing common objectives, individual countries apply their own approaches to implementing and financing the sustainable development and green transition, considering the national economic characteristics. This raises the crucial question of the extent to which various funding sources contribute to the success of environmental policies. In the past decade, many instruments for financing sustainable development have emerged, with green bonds prominently positioned as a pivotal tool for directing financial flows towards the achievement of green objectives. This paper studies the relationship between the different instruments for financing, such as the availability of issued green bonds, the extent of total debt, economic development, fiscal instruments, and on the other hand the specific indicators used to evaluate the effects of implementing the environmental policies. The study focuses on the environmental policies of European Union member states and associated member states from 2015 to 2022, with the intent to examine the effect of policies on indicators like energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and economic losses from extreme weather events. Through correlation analysis, the study aims to specify the direction and significance of the influence of each independent variable on the dependent indicators. The findings reveal that green bond financing serves as a catalyst for positive changes in reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions, while general government debt emerges as a significant factor in financing environmental policies.

Common policies of the European Union

Common policies of the European Union

ISSUES OF "GREEN" ENERGY TRANSITION: LEGAL ASPECT

In modern socio-economic conditions, the issues of sustainable development, sustainable economy, resource efficiency and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions have become relevant, and in this regard, the issues of «green» economy, energy transition are being discussed. However, there are no established legal definitions of the terms "green" economy and «energy transition». In the conditions of energy transition, the issues of the «green economy» are relevant for the states that are members of the Eurasian Economic Union (hereinafter referred to as the EAEU) and the Union State (Russia – Belarus). In the conditions of energy transition, new objects of property rights appear (for example, carbon units), new contractual structures are applied, energy efficiency requirements are established when organizing purchases for state and municipal needs, etc. In this regard, it seems relevant to conduct an analysis of the regulatory legal framework of the «green» energy transition in order to substantiate proposals for the development of legislative support for entrepreneurial (economic) activities in the conditions of energy transition. The purpose of the study is to reveal the legal aspect of the «green» energy transition based on the analysis of regulatory legal acts, program documents, scientific statements about the «green» economy and energy transition. Materials and methods. Regulatory legal acts, program documents in the field of regulation of relations related to energy transition, and special literature have been collected for the analysis. The study was conducted using the methods of generalization and analysis, including comparative one. The results of the study. The legal aspect of ensuring energy efficiency, the formation of a low-carbon economy and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, a closed-cycle economy in Russia, in the states of the Eurasian Economic Union and in the Union State is considered. Examples of regulation in the regions of Russia of relations on the formation of a circular economy are given. Based on the conducted comparative analysis, it was revealed that the category of «green» economy is used in program and strategic documents, subordinate regulatory legal acts. At the same time, different terms «green economy», «green investments», «green financial instruments», «closed-cycle economy», «circular economy», «green energy», etc. are used. Conclusions. It seems appropriate to improve legislation in the field of regulation of relations connected with energy transition. It is advisable to adopt sectoral and regional plans for adaptation to climate change and energy transition. It is expedient to substantiate and develop proposals for the formation of a concept of legal regulation in the field of energy transition, including common approaches, principles of regulation of the «green» economy in terms of energy transition within the general policy of the EAEU member states and within the Union State.

The Role of the IBSA Fund in Foreign Aid Policies of IBSA and BRICS Member States

The IBSA Fund, which marks its 20th anniversary in 2024, has extended SouthSouth cooperation to 34 states since its establishment in 2004. This article aims to compare the recipients of bilateral development assistance from IBSA members with IBSA Fund projects’ partners. The objective is to discern the motivations behind the selection of the Fund’s project partners, assess the influence of member states on partner selection, and explore the potential benefits of including Russia and China (both BRICS and New Development Bank participants) as members. The authors analyze the structure, mechanisms, and priorities of IBSA projects, juxtaposing them with New Development Bank projects to highlight key differences and assess shortcomings. The research draws on releases and reports from development agencies, AidData databases, and online databases detailing cooperation projects of all IBSA members and the IBSA Fund. The analysis reveals that the IBSA Fund serves as an additional tool for member states in development cooperation, driven by shared opportunities and responsibilities. Partner selection appears largely motivated by the national interests of IBSA states. While both the IBSA Fund and New Development Bank espouse similar development principles, goals, and narratives, they exhibit differences in terms of development cooperation modalities, emphasis on loans versus grants, project geography, and priorities. As this makes closer cooperation between the two entities unreasonable, Russia and China, whose development assistance priorities largely align with those of the IBSA members, could still be included in the IBSA Fund mechanism, particularly if additional funding is required.

The Impact of the Rule of Law on Energy Policy in European Union Member States

Research pertaining to the dual-tier political system within the European Union (EU), specifically concerning the genesis and execution of EU policies, has garnered substantial scholarly attention. These inquiries delve into multifaceted dimensions, encompassing institutional dynamics, procedural intricacies, questions of legitimacy, and intricate relational dynamics entailing international diplomacy with other actors within the realm of international law. Nonetheless, a particularly intriguing and underexplored facet remains: the influence of member states’ compliance with the rule of law on the implementation of EU policies, particularly within the realm of energy policy. This article aims to elucidate the nexus between the realization of energy policy objectives in EU member states and fidelity to the rule of law. The conundrum of establishing a correlation between the indicators of environmentally sustainable energy policy and commitment to upholding the rule of law remains uncharted territory within the existing body of literature. Our analysis centers on a dataset derived from publicly accessible sources, reflecting data from the year 2020.

Harmonization of Pension Legislation of the EAEU in the Field of Social Security Rights of Workers

The article examines the harmonization of pension legislation as one of the most important areas of the legal policy of the EAEU member states, which is focused on jointly resolving issues of implementing equal conditions of social security rights for workers of the Union; The processes of formation of pension rights and mutual responsibility of member states when exporting pensions on the principle of proportionality and territoriality are considered using the example of the EAEU Agreement on Pension Security. The authors identified the problems of applicability of the transitional provisions of this Agreement, the participating states of the obligations associated with conflicts arising in national legislations.

Civilizational Politics at the Commonwealth Games: Identity, Coloniality and LGBTIQ+ Inclusion

Abstract In 2022, the United Kingdom hosted the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, with this games featuring a pride programme that promoted LGBTIQ+ inclusion around the Commonwealth. With British colonial norms and laws often providing the origins of homophobic and transphobic policies in Commonwealth member states, this paper sees LGBTIQ+ inclusivity narratives at the games as a significant object of study. Focusing on the theme of “welcoming,” the paper interrogates the various welcomes that were extended to different communities at the games; welcoming athletes from around the Commonwealth to Birmingham, welcoming queer people into the world of sport, and welcoming Commonwealth citizens into the LGBTIQ+ framework. Encapsulating these welcomes, it argues, was a liberal progress narrative that ignores ongoing British colonial violence, for example through the United Kingdom’s carceral border policy, or through culture war debates that demonize trans women. Contesting depictions of British democracy as the zenith of human development, this paper highlights the inconsistency of this with the UK Government’s politics of exclusion and the ways in which civilizationist agendas detract attention from the ongoing operation of coloniality. It also reflects on opportunities for resisting colonial violence in complex socio-political contexts.

Regional Policy in Ukraine – Importance for Post-War Reconstruction

Our analysis sets out a methodology for evaluating the effectiveness of regional development programmes in Ukraine. Specifically, we investigate to what extent the Ukrainian approach to regional development policy resembles the successful approach taken by the EU programmes of Cohesion Policy in the post-2004 New Member States. In addition, drawing on initial versions of Ukrainian national and regional models, we illustrate how the bottom-up regional approach initiated in Ukraine needs to be co-ordinated with a top-down national perspective that identifies and distinguishes national development objectives from specifically regional objectives. Such methodologies, suitably adapted, will be required during post-war reconstruction.

Экологическая политика стран-участниц ЕАЭС: направления сближения и институты

Introduction. The main development priorities of the Eurasian Economic Union (hereinafter referred to as the EAEU, the Union), established in 2015, include the completion of work aimed at eliminating existing restrictions, unification of customs rules, revision of certain norms, including taking into account the existing international environmental agenda and the specifics of each state. The cooperation expansion of Russia with other EAEU states in the exploitation of natural resources makes interstate cooperation in the environmental sphere increasingly relevant. In the context of activation of certain areas of economic development and the transition to the functioning of a single market for goods, works and services, there is a need to improve legal mechanisms for cooperation in the environmental sphere, the need for a coordinated policy at the EAEU level. The merging of national markets for goods, works, services, capital and labor is interconnected with the development and implementation of policies and mechanisms of the green economy, which will contribute to the stability of socioeconomic development, while at the same time guaranteeing environmental protection. Materials and Methods. Logical, induction, deduction, comparative legal analysis and synthesis, analogy, statistical and other methods of scientific cognition were used to analyze the areas of convergence and institutions of environmental policy in the national legislation of the EAEU member states and overcome existing problems. The authors conducted a comparative analysis of the general provisions of supranational legislation and acts of the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union, mediating the implementation of state environmental policy. Analysis. The convergence of national environmental policy should be considered a starting point for cooperation between the EAEU member states in the field of green economy and the formation of an appropriate agenda for integration cooperation. The overwhelming number of scientists and experts agree with the lag of the EAEU both in the development of a green economy and green energy, and in the implementation of a coordinated environmental policy and legislation. Results. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the convergence of the environmental policies of the EAEU member states will contribute to the further development of integration, the removal of barriers, exemptions and restrictions in the regulation of environmental management and environmental protection. In order to bring together the environmental policies pursued by the EAEU member states, it is necessary to develop and adopt common supranational legislation that enshrines strategic goals and directions for the development of environmental management and environmental protection. The current legislative acts at the national level are based on a similar set of goals, objectives and directions of development, which opens up opportunities for their harmonization and unification. At the same time, priority should be given to environmental safety issues.

CONSEQUENCES OF BREXIT FOR THE POSITION OF THE VISEGRAD GROUP IN THE EUROPEAN UNION - A POLITICAL PERSPECTIVE

The aim of the article is to show selected consequences of Great Britain's departure from the European Union for the Visegrad Group countries. The research results lead to the conclusion that the potential of the Visegrad Group countries does not enable them to replace or even come close to the place and role played by Great Britain in the EU. The Visegrad countries do not have the appropriate political and economic potential to be a counterweight to the policies of the largest member states.

Buffering national welfare states in hard times: The politics of EU capacity‐building in the social policy domain

AbstractThe EU has traditionally influenced the social and employment policies of Member States through regulation, leaving redistribution to national welfare states. The latter have, however, been gradually weakened by global socioeconomic change and by the expansion of EU market integration. A series of crises over the last 15 years made a bad situation worse: the longue durée erosion of the capacity of European welfare states has morphed into acute social aftershocks, especially in peripheral countries. After the austerity reflex in the early 2010s, the EU introduced new policy instruments with market‐correcting rationales that go beyond the regulatory approach. This article revisits the creation and functioning of four of these instruments that represent EU‐level capacity‐building in the social policy domain: the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, the Youth Guarantee, the Just Transition Fund and SURE (the temporary Support to mitigate Unemployment Risks in an Emergency). We argue that the EU increasingly provides ‘buffer mechanisms’ to support stressed national welfare states in tasks they would otherwise be unable to accomplish, and we identify the political factors that drive the expansion of this ‘buffering’ logic in EU social policy.