Southeast European Countries Research Articles

Understanding public opinion formation in Southeast Europe: Exploring social forces and communication dynamics

The article investigates the mechanisms through which social forces, networks, cognitive frames, and institutions shape public opinion in Southeast Europe via communication. Employing a qualitative approach, data was collected through synchronous focus groups conducted in six Southeast European countries. The findings reveal that social networks play a pivotal role in shaping public opinion, with organizational position and relationships influencing communication effectiveness. Cognitive frames significantly impact public perception, with entrenched beliefs guiding interpretation of information. Meanwhile, social institutions, such as language and communication rules, influence the clarity and accessibility of messages, thereby shaping public understanding. The research underscores the need for deeper research, ethical standards, and transparent communication to build and maintain public trust. Continuous engagement with the public and adaptability in communication strategies are essential for fostering mutual understanding and trust. This research emphasizes social forces’ complexity and overlapping nature in shaping public opinion and the strategic approaches required for effective communication in Southeast Europe.

The Impact of ESG Risks on the Economic Growth in the Western Balkan Countries

The economy is significantly impacted by environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks. The growth of the economy can be sped up by the effective management of ESG risks through sustainable business practices. To promote sustainable development and to secure the long-term welfare of employees, customers, and all other stakeholders in the economy, companies must adapt and reposition their business strategies and organizational cultures. The goal of this paper is to determine how a set of common ESG elements, chosen from the viewpoints of sustainability and well-being, influence economic growth in the Western Balkan countries. For each ESG component, we used different variables. The information pertains to the five Western Balkan countries of North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia. Because of a lack of data, Kosovo is excluded from the study. Then, we compared results from the analysis of the Western Balkan countries with a set of countries in Southeast Europe, which are members of the European Union and essentially coincide with the Western Europe countries. We performed multiple regression analysis with applied fixed effects to the data model. According to the study’s findings, each of the independent variables had no significant impact on the GDP’s annual growth of the Western Balkan countries, but two of the variables, life expectancy at birth and labor force participation, have certain impact on the GDP growth of Southeast Europe countries, which are members of the European Union. The green transition has gained significant importance in the Western Balkan countries as a crucial pathway toward sustainable economic growth, though it introduces a range of new social and economic challenges. Economically, these nations are confronted with considerable funding requirements for development. To build sustainable societies, it would be beneficial for these countries to explore more creative financing strategies. It is advised to establish financing frameworks that not only increase the transparency in policymaking but also ensure greater accountability in their execution.

Impact of the colour perception of graphic design on promoting tourist destinations of Southeast Europe

Graphic design plays a crucial role in branding and marketing in the current digital era. Digital marketing impacts the promotion of tourist destinations. Tourism has become an important and growing sector that has influenced the development of a country's economy. Colour as an element of graphic design evokes emotions and sets a certain mood for an image or graphic. The purpose of this study is to determine the role of colour perception in graphic design in promoting tourist destinations of Southeast Europe (SEE). We aim to explore the relationship between graphic design and the tourism industry in SEE countries, focusing on their tourism logos and slogans for advertising their tourist destinations. The analysis of the main characteristics of logos and slogans shows that they can be effective tools for promoting and supporting tourism in countries in the SEE region. It was observed that there is compatibility between the colours used in the logo and the country flag in 64% of the tourism logos of SEE countries. The colour green is the most commonly used colour in logo design.

Epidemiology of Q Fever in Southeast Europe for a 20-Year Period (2002–2021)

This study aimed to assess epidemiological trends of Q fever in six countries of Southeast Europe by analysing surveillance data for 2002–2021 period. In this descriptive analysis, we collected and analysed data on confirmed human Q fever cases, obtained from the national Public Health Institutes of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. Overall, 2714 Q fever cases were registered during the 20-year period. The crude average annual notification rate was 0.82 (± 2.06) (95% CI: 0.47–1.16) per 100,000 inhabitants, ranged from 0.06 (± 0.04) (95% CI: 0.04–0.08) /100,000 in Greece to 2.78 (± 4.80) (95% CI: 0.53–5.02) /100,000 in the Republic of Srpska (entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina). Significant declining trends of Q fever age standardized rates were registered in Croatia, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Serbia, with an average annual change of -30.15%; -17.13%; -28.33% and − 24.77%, respectively. An unequal spatial distribution was observed. The highest average age-specific notification rate was reported in the 20–59 age group (0.84 (± 0.40) (95% CI: 0.65–1.02) /100,000). Most cases (53.69%) were reported during the spring. Q fever remains a significant public health threat in this part of Europe. The findings of this study revealed the endemic maintenance of this disease in the including countries, with large regional and subnational disparities in notification rates. A downward trend was found in Q fever notification rates across the study countries with the average notification rate higher than in the EU/EEA, during the same period.

Exploring institutional dynamics in a multi-level analysis in Southeast Europe

ABSTRACT The European Union (EU) integration process of transition economies from Southeast Europe has faced significant political and economic challenges. Two decades in, these challenges persist, leading to slower-than-expected economic development and fostering local frustration, nationalism, populism, and migration flows. This article aims to disentangle the institutional complexities in these regions. Using an exploratory, inductive approach based on 30 qualitative interviews across three Southeast European countries, the research conducts a multi-level analysis. The findings reveal that complex institutional settings are characterised by institutional voids and asymmetries stemming from the transition process and EU integration. The perception of the overall institutional setup is central, negatively influenced by institutional voids and asymmetries but positively impacted by participatory law-making approaches. Additionally, competing institutional logics on the micro-level influence companies’ perspective. This article provides insights into the institutional challenges faced by companies in transition economies, crucial for policy formulation and development projects in the context of EU integration. The key takeaway emphasises the importance of well-designed participatory policymaking, highlighting the need for careful preparation and a foundation of trust.

The origins of the youth’s political trust in Southeastern Europe

ABSTRACT This paper examines the extent to which the perceived quality of institutional performance as an endogenous source of trust and political socialization as an exogenous source of trust determine the emergence of political trust among youth in ten Southeast European countries. It also sheds light on a relatively understudied factor in the formation of political trust: the relation towards the future of society, which is considered an exogenous source of trust. Endogenous origins, particularly satisfaction with democracy, dominate the formation of political trust, while exogenous aspects, presented as aspects of socialization, are less well represented, although still significant. This is especially true for interest in politics and, to some extent, societal optimism, which are important factors in the formation of political trust.

First detection of PCV4 in swine in the United States: codetection with PCV2 and PCV3 and direct detection within tissues

Since PCV4 was first described in 2019, the virus has been identified in several countries in Southeast Asia and Europe. Most studies have been limited to detecting PCV4 by PCR. Thus, PCV4 has an unclear association with clinical disease. This study utilized 512 porcine clinical lung, feces, spleen, serum, lymphoid tissue, and fetus samples submitted to the ISU-VDL from June–September 2023. PCV4 was detected in 8.6% of samples with an average Ct value of 33. While detection rates among sample types were variable, lymphoid tissue had the highest detection rate (18.7%). Two ORF2 sequences were obtained from lymphoid tissue samples and had 96.36–98.98% nucleotide identity with reference sequences. Direct detection of PCV4 by RNAscope revealed viral replication in B lymphocytes and macrophages in lymph node germinal centers and histiocytic and T lymphocyte infiltration in the lamina propria of the small intestine. PCV4 detection was most commonly observed in nursery to finishing aged pigs displaying respiratory and enteric disease. Coinfection with PCV2, PCV3, and other endemic pathogens was frequently observed, highlighting the complex interplay between different PCVs and their potential roles in disease pathogenesis. This study provides insights into the frequency of detection, tissue distribution, and genetic characteristics of PCV4 in the US.

Optimisation of global stem cell donor recruitment based on analysis of unsuccessful donor searches.

Despite over 41 million registered potential volunteer stem cell donors worldwide, many patients in need of a transplant do not find an HLA-matched unrelated donor or cord blood units, with the respective odds differing significantly between various populations. In this study, we analysed data of 2205 unsuccessful real-life donor searches sent to the DKMS Registry to identify populations in which further donor recruitment would be associated with particularly large patient benefits. For that purpose, we estimated haplotype frequencies of 67 donor populations at various sample sizes and entered them into two different mathematical models. These models assessed patient benefits from population-specific donor recruitment, operationalised by the number of originally unsuccessful searches that may become successful due to new donors. Consistently, across the different mathematical models and sample sizes, we obtained several countries from East and Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, China, and the Philippines) and the population of Asians in the USA as countries/populations where donor recruitment activities would be particularly beneficial for patients. We also identified various countries in Southeast and Central Europe as possible target regions for donor recruitment with above-average patient benefits. The results presented are registry-specific in the sense that they were obtained by optimising unsuccessful searches that had been sent to the DKMS Registry. Therefore, it would be desirable to apply the presented methods to a global data set that includes all unsuccessful stem cell donor searches worldwide and uses population-specific haplotype frequencies based on all donors available in the WMDA Search & Match Service.

Impact of labour income in gross value added on migrations in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The transition countries of Southeast Europe, especially the countries of theWestern Balkans, have achieved modest economic growth rates since the beginningof the transition process. High unemployment rates, relatively high externalimbalances, and rising external debt are common for the entire region. This paperwill explain the impact of a decrease in the share of labour income in total grossvalue added on the increased outflow of the working-age population. The subjectof a specific analysis is the increase in inequality and the consequences ofdifferences in income on the economy and society of the country will be explainedIncreasing inequality in Bosnia and Herzegovina is measured by a significantdecrease in the share of labour income in total gross value added in Bosnia andHerzegovina affects the outflow of the working-age population abroad.

What’s your source? Estimating the effects of media on youth political engagement in Southeast Europe

ABSTRACT Sustainable democracy in Southeast Europe is closely tied to the level of political engagement among young people aged 14–29. In this study, we examine how different media outlets influence political participation and interest among this population. We employ survey data collected from 10 Southeast European countries to explore this relationship. Our research shows that, except for television viewing, all information sources positively impact young people’s interest in politics and inclination to participate. Digital media exerts the strongest influence, while political discussions also prove to be significant. Furthermore, our findings indicate that the effect of media sources on political engagement is more pronounced among older respondents, suggesting an age-related moderation within this population. We also observe that the quality of national media sectors, including their commitment to safeguarding freedom of expression and competitiveness, does not significantly influence the relationship between media and political involvement. We conclude that media plays a crucial role in fostering political engagement among youths in Southeast Europe.

EMPIRICAL EVALUATION OF SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL MANAGEMENT IN SOUTHEAST EUROPEAN COUNTRIES USING PANEL DATA ANALYSIS

The purpose of this article is to assess the agricultural development of ten Southeast European (SEE) countries from the aspect of key environmental, economic and social indicators of agricultural sustainability management from 2011 to 2020. The article uses a Cross-section panel data Fixed Effects Model to identify relations between agricultural development in SEE countries and mentioned indicators of sustainable agricultural development management. The common sample of all SEE countries shows the economic sustainability, but also the environmental and social unsustainability of their agricultural systems. At a disaggregated level, the subsample of European Union (EU) membership candidate countries also yields the same findings. In contrast, the subsample of EU member states indicates all three dimensions of sustainability, with the exception of the aspect of using renewables. Therefore, both groups of countries should use renewables more intensively in order to contribute to the promotion of their efficient, sovereign and sustainable agricultural growth.

Comparative Efficiency Analysis of Tourist Destinations in Selected Countries of Southern and South East Europe

Our aim was to measure the efficiency of tourist destinations of selected countries from Southern and Southeast Europe. In order to assess the impact of the Covid pandemic on the efficiency of separate destinations we evaluated two year-long timeframes – 2019 and 2021. However, we remained quite cautious in our final assessment, due to the specifics of the tourism sector’s recovery. The study object included 19 countries in Southern and Southeast Europe. In order to complete the set tasks, we went through two stages: first, we formed two separate groups of countries with relatively homogenous indicators (K-cluster), and then we evaluated their relative efficiency, by using the tourism revenue (DEA) as an outcome variable.

Factors Affecting Elective and Non-elective Cesarean Sections: A Multinomial Regression Analysis Using Robson's Classification in a Southeast European Country.

Albania, a middle-income Southeast European country, is experiencing an increase in cesarean section rates. This study aims to analyze cesarean section practices in Albania using the Robson classification to identify patterns and provide insights into elective and non-elective cesarean trends. This retrospective cohort study was conducted at the University Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology "Koco Gliozheni" in Albania, a leading tertiary hospital, from January to May 2023, involving 5,315 consecutive women who delivered during this period, including both live births and stillbirths, with a gestational age minimum of 28 weeks to align with standards of viability. We defined a function to systematically evaluate each case based on multiple criteria: parity, fetal presentation, onset of labor, previous deliveries, number of fetuses, and gestational age according to the Robson classification. Multinomial multiple regression was used to estimate the relationship between each of the above-mentioned variables and the likelihood of each type of cesarean delivery compared to normal births. The participants' mean age was 28.2 years (59.6% <30 years vs. 40.4% ≥30 years), while gestational age varied (12.1% before 37 weeks, the majority (72.3%) between 37 and 40 weeks, and 15.6% > 40 weeks). In elective cesarean sections, maternal age (odds ratio (OR) = 1.06) and gestational age (OR = 1.13) were associated with increased odds, with women with previous cesarean deliveries showing significantly higher odds (OR = 20.6), breech position (OR = 15.7), and multiple pregnancies elevating odds (OR = 7.3), whereas in non-elective cesarean sections, similar associations were observed with slightly different odds ratios which were maternal age (OR = 1.07), gestational age (OR = 1.16), previous cesarean delivery (OR = 6.3), breech position (OR = 8.5), and multiple pregnancies (OR = 5.1). Significant disparities in cesarean section rates were observed across various groups, with rates ranging from as low as 0.74% in Group 1 to as high as 89.24% in Group 5, and notable contributions from Group 2 with a rate of 69.95% and Group 6 with a rate of 81.29%. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the significance of factors such as maternal age, gestational age, previous cesarean deliveries, fetal presentation, number of fetuses, and multiple pregnancies in impacting the rates of elective, non-elective, and overall cesarean sections in Albania, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to improve maternal and fetal health outcomes.

The Indonesian Government’s Dilemma in Repatriating Former ISIS Members: Balancing Advocacy, Citizenship Status, and Human Rights

Indonesian Government confronts a multifaceted challenge in repatriating former ISIS members, necessitating a delicate equilibrium between advocacy, citizenship status, and human rights principles. International conventions uphold the fundamental right to nationality, articulated in Article 15 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, yet over 500 former ISIS members from Indonesia remain stranded in Syria, having illegally departed and destroyed their official documentation. While several countries in Southeast Asia and Europe have undertaken repatriation efforts under rigorous conditions, Indonesia faces a quandary. These individuals do not qualify as People with Social Welfare Problems under domestic law, complicating their reintegration. This classification divergence conflicts with international obligations requiring nations to accept and restore nationality to their citizens, notwithstanding their affiliation with extremist groups not recognized as refugees by the UNHCR. This paper delves into the legal and humanitarian imperatives compelling Indonesia to address this issue. It examines international frameworks and national legislation to argue for the necessity of repatriation, while also exploring the preventive and repressive measures Indonesia employs. Balancing the imperative to safeguard human rights with national security concerns presents a formidable task, demanding a nuanced approach that ensures compliance with international standards while safeguarding domestic stability and security.

Southeast European Countries and a Nuclear Weapons Ban

The paper aims to review the perceptions of the Southeast European countries toward the NPT and TPNW and identify the main determinants of their disarmament policies. It analyzes official statements of the Southeast European states during the NPT preparatory meetings and review conferences, and their positions in various stages of the TPNW development, to bring out a position of a certain country toward the NPT and TPNW and then dive into analysis of the determinants of the outcomes. The paper contributes to the deeper understanding of the disarmament policy choices of the Southeast European states, thus also contributing to the assessment of possible changes in their positions regarding the nuclear weapons ban.

Quality of Education and Economic Growth – Evidence from Southeast European Countries

This study seeks to ascertain the importance of educational quality over quantity in influencing economic growth, with a special focus on Southeast European countries. Traditional approaches have often emphasized the quantity of education, primarily the years of schooling. However, emerging evidence points towards the quality of education, represented by cognitive skills, as a more significant predictor of economic prosperity. The research evaluates global educational datasets that measure both qualitative and quantitative aspects of human capital. A notable emphasis is placed on the Harmonized Learning Outcomes (HLO) database by the World Bank, which reflects educational achievements, serving as a proxy for the quality of human capital.

Investigating the relationship between macroeconomic indicators, renewables and pollution across diverse regions in the globalization era

This paper delves into an econometric analysis to uncover the differences between Nordic European Countries - NEC (Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden) and South-East European Countries - SEEC (Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary). The focus is on exploring the interplay among electricity generation from Renewable Energy Sources (RES), CO2 emissions, urban population and GDP per capita in these two European regions. The study employs cross-sectional dependence, first and second-generation panel unit root tests, Pedroni panel and Westerlund panel cointegration tests, ARDL, Dumitrescu-Hurlin causality test to establish the relation among variables. The findings reveal that in both regions, CO2 emissions are significantly influenced by GDP per capita, urbanization and RES generation. Furthermore, urbanization plays an important role. When examining causality in SEEC, three bidirectional relationships are observed: urbanization and CO2, urbanization and GDP, urbanization and generation from RES, and two unidirectional causalities: CO2 and GDP, generation from RES and CO2. In contrast, for the NEC, there are two bidirectional causalities: urbanization and CO2, urbanization and generation from RES, and two unidirectional causalities: GDP and CO2, generation from RES and CO2. These results highlight the nuanced and varied nature of environmental and economic dynamics across various European regions.

A new method for screening elemental impurities in medico-pharmaceutical disinfectants

Healthcare associated infections consist a major concern in South-East European countries. As hospital activities try to eliminate the possible risks of infections, the quality of the disinfectants used in surgical sites, microbiological laboratories and other aseptic places must be ensured by using a proper product. In this context, the PEROKLIN product produced by Klintensiv Ldt., Romania, was tested using ICP-MS technique at the IFIN-HH Chemical and Physical Test Laboratory in terms of determining the elemental concentrations of several elements of interest. A dedicated chemical protocol was developed for that purpose and the method was validated according to international guidelines.

Mapping the evolution of university-industry collaboration: A systematic literature review from 2000 to 2022

This research aims to improve knowledge exchange and innovation through collaborations between universities and industries in South-East European Countries (SEECs). The region benefits from better collaboration, and understanding factors such as proximity, motivations, and challenges is crucial. The study begins by suggesting that geographical closeness may influence the strength of university-industry ties and that specific conditions in SEECs may either support or impede these relationships. The paper proposes a new University-Industry Collaboration (UIC) model tailored for SEECs, built upon a review of literature from 2000 to 2022. This review examines factors like location, organizational approaches, types of knowledge exchange, key motivators and barriers, and the evolving role of universities in the region. The study introduces a specialized UIC model that could enhance regional cooperation, emphasizing strategies to overcome barriers and align university and industry goals. By extensively reviewing existing research, the paper contributes valuable insights into UIC in SEECs, aiming to deepen the understanding of these collaborations in the region.

Labour Productivity, Wages, and Inflation: Evidence from Selected Central and South-East European Countries

The relationship between inflation, worker wages, and labour productivity growth has been a widely discussed topic among academics in recent decades. Labour productivity is a critical component for maintaining and improving the competitiveness of national economies and establishing sustainable economic growth. The increase in labour productivity serves as the foundation for increasing workers' wages, thereby enhancing their purchasing power and overall well-being. However, empirical data from Southeast European countries indicate that labour productivity growth rates have been insufficient to enable catch-up with their Western European counterparts. Additionally, these countries have experienced significant inflation rates in recent years, resulting in a notable decline in real wages for workers. Therefore, the gap between labour productivity and workers' wages has not only failed to diminish but has, in fact, widened over the past few decades.&#x0D; The primary objective of this paper is to examine the interrelationships among labour productivity, workers' wages, and inflation in Central and Southeast European countries, specifically the Balkan EU countries, Balkan non-EU countries, and the Visegrád group of countries. The findings reveal a short-term causality among inflation, labour productivity, and the statutory minimum wage in these three groups of countries. Furthermore, there is evidence of a bidirectional causal relationship running from the minimum wage and inflation to labour productivity, and vice versa, in the short term. Additionally, the introduction of a minimum wage shock significantly influences the future values of labour productivity and inflation. The adverse effects of an externally induced increase in the statutory minimum wage are particularly noticeable in Western Balkan non-EU countries.