Republic Of Macedonia Research Articles

Management with macroeconomic policies affecting economic development (Case in the republic of North Macedonia)

Management with macroeconomic policies affecting economic development (Case in the republic of North Macedonia)

CALCULATION OF BEARING CAPACITY AND SUBSIDENCE OF INITIAL EMBAY IN IN REK “OSLOMEJ” - KICHEVO, R. NORTH MACEDONIA

This paper presents the geomechanical conditions for the construction of a landfill for ash and slag in REK Oslomej - Kicevo, R. North Macedonia. In this context, geotechnical investigation works and laboratory tests on the construction site, as well as the research and test methodology, are presented, and the obtained results are given in the form of appropriate graphic attachments, tabular views and diagrams. In the second part of the paper, an analysis of the geomechanical conditions for the performance of the ash and slag landfill is made, referring to the conditions for the performance of the projected initial embankments. Several aspects have been analyzed, i.e. the bearing capacity of the base constructed from tailings materials which are characterized by relatively low values of the strength and deformable parameters, forecast subsidence of the base, the possibility of underfoot sliding on the slopes of the embankments, as well as technical conditions for the construction of the embankments themselves. It should be noted that all analyzes are made with assumed values of the material to be incorporated in the embankments, which should be quantitatively and qualitatively defined after the selection of the location for the loan. However, it is appreciated that these analyzes will make their own contribution and will realistically show the expected situation during exploitation of the landfill.

Affordance-based lesson planning in pre-service teacher education

Abstract This article reports on an exploratory study investigating the extent to which affordance-based lesson planning is feasible and useful in pre-service teacher education. After using both affordance-based and outcomes-based lesson plans, trainee teachers in North Macedonia participated in both a survey and interviews. Respondents found both types of lesson plan useful, but in different ways and for different reasons, with some disagreement among the sample in a number of areas. While their considerations of affordance often helped them to prepare and reflect on lessons effectively, they also expressed concern about the time and cognitive challenge required to do so, with many indicating that they would appreciate more agency, both to develop their own pro formas and to explore affordance in alternative ways, such as through discussions. We conclude our article with a number of reflective questions that may be useful to other teacher educators and practicum supervisors.

The effect of the Fitostemin-WP® biostimulator on yield and quality characteristics of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

In order to avoid yield and quality reduction of rice, it is essential to provide nutrition rice plants require. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted at the research area of the Institute of Agriculture - Skopje, Department of Field Crops, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Republic of Macedonia, in Kochani, a rice production region. The experiment was set up to determine the effects of the Fitostemin-WP® biostimulator on some yield and quality properties of an Italian rice variety Opale during the vegetative seasons in 2020 and 2021. Standard agrotechnical methods for crop production were applied. Fitostemin-WP® is an herbal product in the form of powder and it consists of herbal extracts and minerals. It is used for increasing crop yield. The field experiment was arranged in a Zade method with a Fitostemin-WP® treatment and a control one in 3 replications. Only basic fertilizers (350kg/ha NPK and 200kg/ha Urea (46% N)) were applied on the control plot, while the treatment plot, besides basic fertilization, was also treated with Fitostemin-WP® with 100 g/ha dosage once during the vegetation period (tillering stage). The following parameters were examined in this study, namely the biological, grain and straw yield, the number of productive tillers/m2, panicle weight, and milling fractions. Results were analyzed with the ANOVA and LSD test. According to the results from this study, statistically significant differences were not found in these two years of field experiments for the examined parameters. However, the values for the brokens have shown some significant differences between the years, but not between the treatment and the control. This can result from the environmental impact during the vegetative period. More frequent usage of Fitostemin-WP® during the vegetation period of the rice plant may show more significant results.

The intensity of regional food trade among the Western Balkan countries during periods of crisis

This study explores the intensity of food trade among the Western Balkan (WB) countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia) during periods of crisis, emphasizing the impact of COVID-19 and the Ukrainian-Russian conflict on regional trade dynamics. The impact of this crisis was measured over three analyzed years: 2018, representing a reference year for comparison, then 2020 as the year affected by COVID-19, and 2022, being affected by the pandemic as well as the Ukrainian-Russian crisis. All data collected are from the “Trade Statistics for International Business Development Database”. Conclusions about the intensity of exchange of agricultural and food products within the WB region were obtained by calculating Regional Intensity of Trade of Export (RITE) and Regional Intensity of Trade of Import (RITI). Higher values than 1 indicate intensity in trade or dominance of trade in specific products with a particular region compared with the trade with the world. In the case of trade among the WB countries, the COVID-19 crisis did not affect the increase in trade volume. However, there was an increase in intra-regional trade by about 50% when compared with 2020 and 2022. The RITE coefficients for all countries except Albania were greater than 1, indicating intensified export of agricultural and food products to the WB region compared with their global export. The RITI index is very important in crisis, as it somewhat answers the question of who "feeds" the country during crises. All WB countries had the RITI indices greater than 1, indicating a higher intensity of food imports from the region compared with the world. According to this research, the RIT coefficients measured generally declined in the years of crises, meaning that the countries shifted their export focus to other regions but still the most significant foreign and intense trade partners in agricultural and food products were countries from the region.

Influence of the seeding rate, row spacing, and cultivar on alfalfa forage yield in the first production year

The cultivated lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) is the most widely grown forage legume, mainly due to its high nutritive quality and yield. The objective of this study was to provide information about the optimal seeding rate and row spacing for alfalfa cultivation under rainfed conditions in the Republic of North Macedonia. Alfalfa was sown in the fall of 2020 using randomized complete block design in a split-split plot arrangement with three replications. The effects of two seeding rates (8 and 16 kg ha-1) and two row spaces (20 and 40 cm) were examined on the fresh forage yield (FFY) and dry matter yield (DMY) of four alfalfa cultivars. Based on the evaluation, the sowing method (row spacing) and cultivar choice have shown a significant impact on the obtained forage yield. Higher average yield of fresh (73.7 t ha-1) and dry (20.3 t ha-1) forage was achieved at a sowing distance of 20 cm. Since the seeding rate did not significantly impact the FFY and DMY, in regions with a temperate climate, it is recommended that lower seeding rates than 16 kg ha-1 should be used in order to have sufficient and cost-effective alfalfa production. The inevitable issues for increasing alfalfa production are the selection of an appropriate cultivar with good adaptability to recent climate change within compatible establishment methods.

Geographical distance, cultural differences and digitalization

This study examines the impact of geographical distance,cultural differences, and digitalization on the internationalization ofCroatian franchise businesses, incorporating a thorough analysis basedon the 2022 Global Market Potential Index. Covering 97 countries, theresearch specifically focuses on 22 European Union nations, which areevaluated for their potential to expand franchising operations. Theanalysis delves into various dimensions, including market potentials,geographical proximity, and the degree of digitalization, withparticular emphasis on access to digital public services.Notable findings highlight those countries like Ireland, Germany,Switzerland, and the Netherlands, with their robust market sizes,significant trade volumes, and high economic growth, rank amongthe top ten on the global index. This underscores the substantialimpact of the European market on the franchising internationalizationprocesses, with ten EU countries featuring prominently among the toptwenty positions.The study also discusses the positioning of Germany, Ireland, andBelgium at the top of the list, contrasting with countries such asBulgaria, Greece, and Latvia, which exhibit lower potential forfranchising expansion. The proximity of markets like Serbia, Bosniaand Herzegovina, and North Macedonia is recognized; however,these countries are not extensively analyzed due to their geographicalcloseness and presumed familiarity to Croatian entrepreneurs, whichposes fewer challenges in market expansion decisions.To facilitate informed decision-making in the internationalizationprocess, this paper extends the analysis to include cultural factors,geographical distances, and the level of digitalization in target markets.

NORTH MACEDONIA TOWARD THE EUROPEAN UNION THROUGH GOOD NEIGHBORLINESS

After declaring independence in January 1991, North Macedonia decided that its future would be in the family of democratic peoples of Europe. North Macedonia has clearly expressed its priority for membership in the European Union as one of its strategic and vital interests. With the realization of this determination, the Republic of North Macedonia was legitimized as a reliable partner and ally of the European Union, but it still went through a series of different stages in the development of relations, rapprochement, and integration in the EU. We all know that reforms are required within the states that seek and want to be members of the European Union. There are several important steps through which the state of North Macedonia, a candidate country, has shown its goodwill in the long path of integration and contribution. The key points and changes necessary to achieve the goal of being part of the European Union that have been realized so far are the following: the Prespa Agreement between North Macedonia and Greece, the Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighborliness, and the Union of Cooperation, between Macedonia North and Bulgaria. This paper analyzes North Macedonia's approach to the European Union, the transition, its difficulties and challenges on this path, and the Constitution's changes. In the end, conclusions and suggestions are given to make North Macedonia's path towards the European Union a little easier.

PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS: INCLUSION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN NORTH MACEDONIA

North Macedonia’s accession negotiations are conditioned by the country’s progress on fulfilling the Copenhagen criteria. Respect for human rights, defined as one of the founding values of European Union, it is associated with the fundamental political criteria for full membership for every candidate state. In the Progress Report for 2022, European Commission raised the concerns that North Macedonia had made “limited progress in improving the rights of persons with disabilities”. Considering that the country since its independence ratified several international treaties on human rights and assumed obligation not only to guarantee but also to protect the fundamental human rights, in this paper will be analyzed: the national legal framework on the protection of the fundamental rights of persons with disabilities, national strategies on the rights of persons with disabilities, and national policies on the integration of persons with disabilities. The purpose of this study it is to analyze the responsibilities and commitment of the state authorities in providing equal rights and opportunities for persons with disabilities, especially focusing on the access of women with disability to the labor market and access of children and young people with disability to education. The research it is in-depth analysis and guided by two research questions: What are the responsibilities of North Macedonia as a candidate country in promoting and enforcing the rights of persons with disabilities? What have done North Macedonia for social inclusion of persons with disabilities.

HARMONIZATION OF THE LEGAL REGULATIONS FOR THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OF THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA WITH THE EUROPEAN UNION ACQUIS

Intellectual property (IP), as a form of property that includes the products of the human mind, is an integral part of the economic criteria that the European Commission examines when screening local legislation. The decision of the European Council in 2020 to open accession negotiations with the Republic of North Macedonia, meant that the analytical examination of the acquis (screening) would begin, which happened in 2022. The finding made in the report is that no progress was made on intellectual property law. It also emphasizes the imperative need for progress to be achieved in the coming years in order for North Macedonia to meet the European Union's requirements which would lead to the harmonization of internal legislation with that of the European Union (EU). Aware of the unsatisfactory condition of legal regulation and activity in the field of intellectual property rights, the Government of North Macedonia, one year before the start of the screening process, approved the National Strategy for Intellectual Property for the next six-year period (2022-2026). This Strategy not only provides an overview of the real situation, but also defines the goals to be achieved, as well as the means and methods for achieving the respective goals. The author, through analysis and synthesis in this empirical study, provides a clear overview of the current state of legislation and the practice of implementing intellectual property rights in the light of the latest European Commission Report on North Macedonia published in November 2023.

Using Behavior Integration to Identify Barriers and Motivators for COVID-19 Vaccination and Build a Vaccine Demand and Confidence Strategy in Southeastern Europe

Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global health, with Eastern Europe experiencing notable excess morbidity and mortality and vaccine hesitancy. This study utilized the Behavior Integration (BI) framework to identify barriers and motivators for COVID-19 vaccination and develop strategies to increase vaccine demand and confidence in Moldova, North Macedonia, and Serbia. Methods. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys. The BI framework was used to integrate human behaviors with technical and operational considerations throughout the project. Results. A total of 2742 online surveys were collected in Moldova and Serbia, revealing significant barriers such as vaccine safety concerns (OR = 1.839, 95% CI: 1.328–2.547 in urban Moldova; OR = 1.990, 95% CI: 1.351–2.931 in urban Serbia), logistical challenges, and lack of institutional trust. Conversely, motivators included personal health concerns, recommendations from health care providers, and the desire to travel. The proposed social and behavior change strategy included a continuing medical education course that trained 2403 medical providers, with post-test results showing a 99% improvement in knowledge and confidence in applying the information, and collective engagement workshops for 3260 chronic disease patients and 842 pregnant women, of which 7% were vaccinated against COVID-19. Conclusions. The BI approach effectively identified and addressed vaccination barriers and motivators, leading to tailored strategies that increased vaccine uptake. Continuous stakeholder engagement, adaptive learning processes, and local organizations are crucial for refining program implementation, ensuring sustainability, and promoting public health.

NAVIGATING NEW CHALLENGES: WESTERN BALKANS AT THE CROSSROADS OF EU INTEGRATIONS

For several years now, European integration has been recognized as a key strategy to achieve dual goals in the Western Balkans: peace and stability. The European perspective is a commitment not only to the foreign policy of this region but also a great expectation of the citizens of these countries. The Western Balkans, as the European Union calls it after the integration of Bulgaria and Romania in 2007, is a political notion with more than a geographical definition. The Western Balkans, a region which includes: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Kosovo, throughout the Cold War period was the area where East and West were divided. After the fall of the communist regimes in Eastern and Southeastern Europe, which followed the signing of the Maastricht Treaty and the establishment of the European Union, euphoria and enthusiasm for joining a united Europe grew. Thus, the prospect of a common future of the Western Balkans in a democratic and prosperous Europe now seemed more than feasible. Today, the countries of the Western Balkans that have passed the transition period, still encounter the difficulties of their consolidation or the stability of bilateral agreements. Although they are located in the European continent with cultural diversity in a narrow space, they continue to remain out of place in the Euro-integration process. Economic development, commercial exchanges, investments, unemployment, etc., are another dimension of the countries of the Western Balkans, but also the initiatives of some countries for an opening within the area called a mini-Schengen, and then turned into “Open Balkan” which was specifically replaced by the “Berlin Process”, which began in 2014, as a proposal by the German Chancellor Angela Merkel to accelerate the European integration of the Western Balkan countries. The difficult economic situation combined with inherited political problems has created large discrepancies between countries of this region in relation to the benefits that come from the EU. The created situation has contributed to some states expanding and increasing their influencing power in this region, such as the influence of Russia. These issues represent some of the main points of view of the conference, which aims to bring together researches from the countries of the region to present their studies and views on the issues of the integration of Western Balkans into the EU and to exchange experiences, ideas and discuss other relevant issues related to the topics of the conference.

Against the Odds: Explaining Mainstream Montenegrin Parties Domination of Bosniak and Albanian Minority Representation in Postcommunist Montenegro

Abstract The Bosniak and Albanian minorities in postcommunist Montenegro have supported and been represented by mainstream Montenegrin parties more than by their ethnic parties. This stands in striking contrast to the situation in neighboring Serbia and North Macedonia where the Bosniak and Albanian minorities vote almost exclusively for their ethnic parties. The Montenegrin case stands out as deviant also when one considers a number of extant explanations, all of which would predict a different outcome. Montenegrin Bosniaks and Albanians constitute two native, sizeable and geographically concentrated minority groups inhabiting a country with an institutional framework and several special electoral arrangements favoring minority parties. Drawing on original data on Bosniak and Albanian legislators elected across 12 parliamentary elections in Montenegro (1990–2023), municipality and country-level parliamentary election results and 12 semi-structured elite interviews, I argue that what explains the deviance in the Montenegrin case is the peculiar nature of Montenegrin identity, specifically the fact that it does not pit the majority against minority, but rather it pits the Montenegrin and Serbian components of the Orthodox majority against each other and in such a context the non-Orthodox minorities become critical political allies of the Montenegrin bloc against the Serbian one.

THE CONTRIBUTION OF PUBLIC DIPLOMACY INSTITUTIONS TO THE PROGRESS OF THE COUNTRIES IN WHICH THEY ARE LOCATED IN THE PROCESS OF INTEGRATION INTO THE EUROPEAN UNION, A REVIEW OF ORGANIZATIONS OF TURKISH PUBLIC DIPLOMACY IN NORTH MACEDONIA

Edmund Gullion first used the concept of public diplomacy in its modern sense in 1965, he tried to define it as an attempt to influence public attitudes in foreign policy. Therefore, it is explained by Cull that public diplomacy covers areas of international relations other than traditional diplomacy, the efforts of governments to create public opinion in other countries, the activity of non-governmental organizations and for-profit organizations between countries, communication between diplomats, reporters and intercultural communication processes. These initiatives, which are not carried out directly or solely by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are provided by agencies and sub-organizations specially created by the states. Thanks to these organizations, diplomatic relations are strengthened while carrying out activities abroad. These activities can be divided into two different categories such as education, cultural, artistic and linguistic development and activities for the promotion and benefit of the country, while in the second part there are initiatives for the development of infrastructure and superstructure such as health, education, technology and transport, which will develop the country in which the institutions abroad are located. In countries like North Macedonia, which wants to join the European Union and is in the negotiation phase, the infrastructure situations and development potentials such as health, education, technology, transport and the legal order are very important for the country. This study aims to examine the process carried out by the Republic of North Macedonia, which is at the crossroads of integration into the European Union, from another perspective, to touch on the contribution of foreign countries to the country in this direction, especially the contribution of Turkish institutions.

FACILITATION OF THE JUDICIARY IN THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA BY APPLYING THE NOTARY SERVICE

With the independence of the Republic of North Macedonia in 1991, the need was felt for the legal circulation of goods and services. In order to facilitate legal transactions due to their multiplicity, in 1996, for the first time, we brought the corresponding law for notaries. They operate within various branches based on law. The public power was entrusted to him from November I of 1997, and in 1998 we had the first notaries. One of the reasons for introducing notaries is to make the courts easier. This process of non-judgment in European countries is not recent. As early as September 16, 1986, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe adopted the Recommendation on measures to prevent and reduce court overcrowding in order to relieve the courts of cases that do not fall within the typical judicial function. The transfer of some powers from the courts to bodies outside the judicial system for non-contentious matters is an effective means of their relief. The legal basis for the action of notaries as court commissioners is found in the Law on Notaries, which provides that the court may entrust the notary with duties defined by special laws.

AMENDMENTS TO THE LAW ON FINANCIAL COMPANIES IN THE SPIRIT OF PROTECTING CITIZENS’ INTERESTS

Nonbank financial companies, also known as financial companies, are financial institutions that offer various financial services, such as: approving loans to individuals and legal entities, issuing and administering credit cards, factoring and issuing guarantees, as well as advising on various financial and leasing activities. Unlike banks, for the establishment of a financial company, a simpler procedure is foreseen, even a license from the National Bank is not required, but only permission from the Ministry of Finance. The establishment, operation and supervision of financial companies in the country is governed by the Law on Financial Companies. As institutions that are in their infancy in the country and given the still insignificant impact on the financial sector, it is expected that the legislator will often make changes and additions to the legal regulations for financial companies. The purpose of these changes in the legislation of financial companies is to provide an operating environment for them between the protection of the users of services from financial companies and the increase of reliability towards these companies. In this paper, the author, in addition to analyzing the legislative platform and the recent changes in this platform, but through the statistical method provides an overview of the activity of financial companies in the Republic of North Macedonia.

RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES AND THE FREEDOM TO PRACTICE RELIGION IN NORTH MACEDONIA

One of the most important assets that human society has inherited since its existence until now undoubtedly is the religious diversity. The freedom to practice religion or belief cannot be subjected to other restrictions except those provided by law which make up necessary measures in a democratic society including public security, public health and ethic order protection or for the protection of rights and freedoms of others. The protection and guarantee of freedom of religious belief, the right not to be affined to any other religion or belief as well as the opportunity that religious communities to practice their religion unhindered are the fundamental elements of the religious freedom right foreseen in democratic constitutions. Therefore, if the religious freedom in all its aspects it is not being implemented and guaranteed within a community or state indicates disrespecting of human rights and lack of constitutional values. The Constitution of Republic of North Macedonia, approved on November 17, 1991, defines the basic framework into which state relations with religious organizations are proceeded and examined, as well as the guarantees of religious freedom. Since its independence until today, in Republic of North Macedonia, the ideological and political pillars defining the Macedonian model of secularism have not always functioned in complete harmony and cohesion. This conclusion derived by the nature of legal provisions approved in this area, which are going to be discussed in this work of study.

THE FRIENDSHIP TREATY BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA WITH BULGARIA : CHALLENGES OF CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES IN THE PROCESS OF INTEGRATION WITH THE EUROPEAN UNION

Developments between two or more states that happened in the past should not always be a point of reference in the progress of relations in the future of these first. With the declaration of Macedonia's independence, Bulgaria was among the first to recognize it as a state and helped the "growth" of Macedonia in the international arena. As eastern neighbors in terms of geography, Macedonia and Bulgaria have had a good time without violating each other's sovereignty and without presenting difficulties to each other. In 2017, this friendship was crowned with the friendship treaty between them, but at the moment that Macedonia changed its constitutional name to the Republic of North Macedonia in the hope of avoiding the biggest problem before joining the European Union, it felt too comfortable. Unexpectedly, the veto was used by Bulgaria, which imposed the inclusion of Bulgarians in the constitution as a condition for Macedonia. In this research paper, it is intended to elaborate and analyze what is the best way to solve the problem without harming the cultural, historical and existential identity of the two states. The main objective of this paper will be to provide hypotheses that will serve to avoid disagreements and remove "pebbles" from the road to the European Union membership of the Republic of North Macedonia.

THE ROLE OF LICENSING IN PROTECTING TRADEMARKS IN THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA

The aim of this study is to investigate, in the context of the Republic of North Macedonia, the role that licensing plays in protecting trademarks. Businesses rely heavily on trademarks to protect their trademark identification, build consumer trust, and maintain goodwill. In the Republic of North Macedonia, trademark protection is essential for promoting economic development and enabling international trade. The study explores how licensing agreements help safeguard intellectual property while enhancing trademark value. It explores the complex nature, benefits, and pitfalls of licensing while diving into its historical and legal foundations. Licensing is a way to improve trademark quality and consistency by making sure that products live up to consumer expectations. The study also highlights how crucial it is to abide by intellectual property laws and stop trademark infringement from a moral and legal standpoint. In addition, it clarifies the difficulties and most current advancements in the field of trademark licensing, providing information and suggestions for businesses and other interested parties. Furthermore, this research not only sheds light on the significance of licensing in safeguarding trademarks but also emphasizes the critical role it plays in bolstering the economic landscape and international trade within Republic of North Macedonia.

THE DIGILIZATION AND CONNECTION OF NOTARIES WITH THE REPUBLIC REGISTERIES IN THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA

In a time of rapid social and dynamic changes, due to the legal security of the circulation of goods and services, in the Republic of North Macedonia, the need was felt to present the notarial service as a guarantee of safety for the parties, to be achieved through the state their legal security. This country applied the German-Latin model, which today is a safe step. With the independence of the Republic of North Macedonia from 1991, the need was felt for the legal circulation of goods and services. In order to facilitate legal transactions due to their multiplicity, in 1996, for the first time, we brought the corresponding law for notaries. They operate within various branches based on law. Development of the notarial service as a public service, independent and self-contained, where the works of the type of public authorizations are performed based on the law. In 2016, in certain articles, the innovation of digitally referencing the notarial document is established, respectively by placing them in the Central Notarial Archive, which includes: electronic certificate, certified electronic description and their archiving in electronic form. Whereas, as far as data submission is concerned, the recording and entry of notarial documents in electronic form in public registers and electronic communication of the notary with the notarial databases. Today there are several links such as: 1. The electronic link with the Real Estate Cadastre Agency; Electronic connection with the Central Registry; Electronic connection with the Pawn Registry (movables); Electronic connection with the Debt Register; Electronic connection with the Official Gazette; Electronic connection with the Directorate for financial disclosure; Electronic connection with local self-administration units, etc. All these electronic links will be analyzed in this scientific paper!