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e-ISSN 2393-2384 | | ISSN-L 2392-8867

 

ASSESSING THE EU'S ACTORNESS IN THE EASTERN NEIGHBOURHOOD

Gabriela Carmen PASCARIU, Rodica CRUDU, Loredana Maria SIMIONOV, Cristian INCALȚĂRĂU (editors)

Volume 8 |  2021

 
EU STRATEGIES AND POLICIES FOR NEIGHBOURING STATES: HOW RELIABLE IS A COOPERATION WITH THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION?

Georgiana-Ștefania AMBRUȘ


Abstract: Russia and the need to secure the eastern flank have been mentioned over time, and the subject has grown in complexity along with the development of international policies and, at the same time, Moscow's intentions to maintain its presence outside its borders. The recent military mobilizations on the border with Ukraine, as well as the Russian interference in the internal policies of the ex-communist states, significantly increase the need of the EU and NATO to bring new instruments of action in the face of the Russian threat, especially on the eastern flank. So, throughout the article we will see Russia's lines of action towards the Eastern Neighborhood and the European Union's rhetoric about them.

Keywords: Russian Federation, Eastern Neighbourhood, European mechanisms, Neighborhood Policy, regional security,

Pages: 9-22 | Full text (PDF)

A DATA ENVELOPMENT ANALYSIS OF THE RESPONSE OF HEALTHCARE FACILITIES TO CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC: EVIDENCE FROM ROMANIA

Raluca-Elena CAUNIC, Laura ASANDULUI, Maria Viorica BEDRULE-GRIGORUȚĂ

Abstract: The coronavirus pandemic overwhelmed hospitals all over the world. Our paper aims to analyze the response of the Romanian hospitals to this health crisis. The objectives are to estimate the technical efficiency of 18 hospitals designated as support-units for COVID-19 treatment and to identify the optimal allocation of hospital resources for the inefficient units. Data Envelopment Analysis was used to estimate technical efficiency scores of the hospitals, under the assumption of variable returns to scale, using 3 different models. The results show that the average technical efficiency increases from one model to another, as new inputs are added. The resources allocation analysis demonstrates that a slight reduction in resources would have been possible keeping steady the outputs vector. This study is the first one regarding the impact of COVID-19 on Romanian hospitals and offers a basis for future research. Our analysis could support implementation of emergency measures in hospitals management.

Keywords: coronavirus pandemic, support-hospitals, technical efficiency, Data Envelopment Analysis,

Pages: 23-40 | Full text (PDF)

EU-RUSSIAN ECONOMIC RELATIONS: FROM COOPERATION TO CONFRONTATION

Livia CEBOTARI

Abstract: The starting point for relations between the Russian Federation and the European Union is considered to be the Agreement on Trade and Commercial and Economic Cooperation between the USSR and the European communities, signed in December 1989, in Brussels. However, the following years were marked by periods of partnership and periods of confrontation. There were times when the economic cooperation developed, followed by a decreased interaction between the two great powers, when the relations became more tense and the level of mutual distrust escalated. The year of 2014 saw the deepest crisis in EU-Russia relations since the end of the Cold War. Tensions between the European Union and the Russian Federation intensified because of the Ukrainian crisis. This analysis aims at highlighting the events that led to tightening or loosening the (economic and political) ties between the two, thus making relevant scenarios regarding this partnership.

Keywords: European Union, Russian Federation, economic relations, cooperation, economic sanctions,

Pages: 41-55 | Full text (PDF)

THE ROLE OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION AND EUROPEAN NEIGHBORHOOD POLICY IN THE EUROPEANISATION OF MOLDOVA

Rodica CRUDU, Mariana ZUBENSCHI, Carmen NASTASE

Abstract: The topicality of the neighborhood Europeanization through ENP is undoubtful, particularly due to the fact that the Republic of Moldova has taken a claimable European integration direction and is striving to fulfill the requirements stipulated in the EU-Moldova Association Agreement. The paper aims to provide an overview of both the theoretical aspects by defining and explaining the concept of Europeanization and the background of ENP and how these concepts are practically realized in the attempt to achieve the Europeanization of the Republic of Moldova and understand what bottlenecks should be tackled in order to make a better use of this policy in its pursuit of the European goal. A special attention is allocated to the assessment of the citizen perceptions about EU in general and EU-Moldova relations in particular, common beliefs that have been created among citizens with reference to the EU and the role of the EU as a key player in the Eastern Neighbourhood in general and Europeanisation of the Republic of Moldova. A survey was applied on 173 respondents. Results show that in general Moldovan citizens have a positive belief about the EU, are aware about the EU financial support Moldova received so far and consider EU as a reliable partner from which Moldova has a lot to learn in terms of democracy, law supremacy, human rights and economic development.

Keywords: European Neighbourhood Policy, Europeanisation, citizens perceptions, European integration,

Pages: 56-83 | Full text (PDF)

COMPARATIVE LEGAL ANALYSIS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ASSOCIATION AGREEMENTS IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE: EXPERIENCE FOR UKRAINE

Oksana HOLOVKO-HAVRYSHEVA, Mykhailo MYKIEVYCH

Abstract: Legal frameworks of EU's interactions with neighboring countries is treaty-based. The types of agreements concluded between the EU and ENP countries differ as to their purpose, scope and objectives of cooperation. This contribution aims to compare the practices of implementation of the Association Agreements (hereafter - AA) signed between the EU the countries of Central and Eastern Europe with particular focus on the experiences in Poland, Lithuania, Romania, Croatia and Ukraine, who developed their own doctrinal and practical approaches towards fulfilment of the AA obligations. The main research hypothesis is that the efficiency of the AA implementation in Central and Eastern European countries depends on the domestic practices of implementation of international law, deployed in these countries. Following from the hypothesis the research questions are: what are the constitutional and statutory provisions in Poland, Lithuania, Romania, Croatia and Ukraine, on which implementation of the international legal norms is based, and how these countries implemented or are currently implementing the AAs. This contribution is based on the desk-top research of the available legislative framework of the implementation of the AAs in these countries.

Keywords: association agreements, СEE countries, implementation of international law, Poland, Romania, Lithuania, Croatia, Ukraine,


Pages: 84-104 | Full text (PDF)

INFLUENCE OF NON-WESTERN ACTORS IN THE BALKANS

Roland LAMI, Blendi LAMI

Abstract: In recent years, the balance of power of international actors has changed significantly. The emergence of non-Western powers on the global and especially regional stage is reducing the Western domination in the Balkans. Any weakness or insecurity of the institutions towards its real challenges on the one hand, and the weakening of the role of the European Union in the integration processes with the countries of the Western Balkans, on the other hand, gives non-Western actors a chance to further extend their influence in this region. Russia, Turkey and China are creating a strategic triangle that is openly challenging in some cases the United States and its Western allies, in geopolitical and geoeconomic terms. In this paper we want to emphasise that there is opportunity of the influences of other non-Western actors on the political life in the country in the region.

Keywords: hegemony, non-western actors, geopolitics, geoconomy, European Union

Pages: 105-118 | Full text (PDF)

EUROPEAN UNION' ACTORNESS EFFICIENCY  CONCERNING THE PRESENCE OF RUSSIAN FEDERATION IN UKRAINE 

Carmen MOLDOVAN

Abstract: Recently, the European Union decided to extend the sanctions on Russian Federation until July 2021 but there are serious doubts on their efficiency.  The present paper aims to analyze the impact of the restrictive measures adopted by the European Union institutions since 2014 against the Russian Federation following the military invasion in Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea, the effects (if any) and outcome of the sanctions applied by the European Union. The situation will be examined from the perspective of notions, principles and specific concepts of International Law on prohibition of the use of force and admissible legitimate reactions to acts contrary to this principle.

Keywords: principles of International Law, state responsibility, countermeasures, use of force

Pages: 119-134 | Full text (PDF)

SCIENTIFIC VALUES ON THE EUROPEAN LEGAL REGULATION ON THE CONSUMER CREDIT AGREEMENT

Olesea PLOTNIC, Rodica CRUDU

Abstract: With the increase of revenue, including in the budget sphere, which stimulates the planning of purchases of products that could improve the quality of life, with the reduction of interest rates by banks, the citizens are increasingly stimulated to conclude credit agreements. The subjects of the civil legal relationship in consumer law must be on the one hand the consumer and on the other hand the professional, the entrepreneur, the creditor. From the essence of the notions, obtained by the common law and Directive 2008/48 / on consumer credit agreements, it follows that the notion of consumer and professional, is notions that includes the legal relationship in the sense of consumer protection law, and the notion of creditor. Through this research paper we propose to analyze the credit agreement both from the perspective of common law and agreement to special rules established by Directive no. 2008/48 and the Law Rep. of Moldova no.202 / 2013 regarding the credit agreement for consumers.

Keywords: consumers, protection, contract, credit, interests, agreement

Pages: 135-149 | Full text (PDF)

THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE NORTH EAST REGION - RESILIENT GROWTH SOLUTIONS

Gabriela PRELIPCEAN, Carmen BOGHEAN, Mariana LUPAN


Abstract: The relevance of entrepreneurship is given by the fact that micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) represent 99% of EU businesses. They provide two thirds of the private sector jobs while contributing with more than half of the total added value created by EU businesses. The systemic plans for economic recovery and resilience play a key role in the sustainable development of the business ecosystem following the COVID-19 crisis. Supporting the business environment, they, SMEs especially, represent the solution to reduce unemployment and increase employment. This paper analyzes the state of entrepreneurship at both national and regional levels, in order to identify the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the resilience of SMEs. Based on the published data, we will conduct a quantitative research on the evolution of entrepreneurial activity in 2020.

Keywords: entrepreneurship, resilience, pandemic crisis, economic recovery

Pages: 150-164 | Full text (PDF)

METHODS OF INTERPRETATION IN THE NATURE-BASED TOURISM - A QUALITATIVE SURVEY

Maria TĂTĂRUSANU

Abstract: Interpretation of cultural and natural heritage is a current direction of research in the sector of tourism, derived from the present-day broader concerns regarding the identification of appropriate ways to contribute to the objectives of developing a sustainable tourism that uses more rationally the cultural and natural resources that it is based on and takes into account the needs and interests of all stakeholders involved in its development. The methods of interpretation used by specialists are either personal or non-personal and concern the effective ways of performing it. The present paper analyzes, through a qualitative approach, the main methods of interpreting the natural heritage, reflected in the literature. It is noted that managers use personal and non-personal interpretation methods adapted to the visited site, the effective involvement of tourists and staff being essential in achieving the objectives related to visitor satisfaction, their attitude and behavior towards the impacts generated by tourism. At its turn, the use of new technologies in interpretation is both a concern and a way to achieve these goals.

Keywords: natural site, nature-based tourism, methods of interpretation, new technologies, the impacts of tourism, natural environment

Pages: 1165-177 | Full text (PDF)

DEVELOPMENT OF INTEGRATIONIST POTENTIAL IN EAP STATES IN THE CONTEXT OF EUROPEAN NEIGHBORHOOD POLICY - (CASE OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA, UKRAINE AND GEORGIA)

Grigore VASILESCU, Cristina MORARI, Oleh KOZACHUK

Abstract: In the article is studied the relationship of the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia with European Union, the current situation of these states within Eastern Partnership and European Neighborhood Policy. Authors, also, underline the necessity of consolidation of both, bilateral and multilateral cooperation among partner states, as well as the improvement of existing individual and common working mechanisms on the advancement of European integration process of countries. In this context, is underlined the importance of newly signed memorandum of understanding on establishing cooperation on European integration by the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia. This memorandum reflects the necessity for the three states to have a more ambitious approach of European integration as well as a necessity of a rethinking of Eastern Partnership framework in general.

Keywords: Eastern Partnership, European Neighborhood Policy, integrationist potential, memorandum of understanding, Association Trio,

Pages: 178-192 | Full text (PDF)

CRIMINOLOGICAL AND FORENSIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CRIME MURDER COMMITTED AS A RESULT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Desislava VIKTOROVA, Nevena RUSEVA

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to attempt an assessment of the prevalence and to trace the dynamics of homicides committed as a result of domestic violence in the Republic of Bulgaria. A definition is given for conventional crime and murder, committed by household motives. The legal regulations in the Republic of Bulgaria regarding murders committed as a result of domestic violence are examined. A five-year statistical analysis of the murders committed as a result of domestic violence and the restraining orders issued under the Domestic Violence Protection Act was made. At the end of present paper, the criminological and forensic aspects of the crime in question, which the competent investigating authorities must be aware of, are discussed.

Keywords: criminology, forensic, prevention, domestic violence, homicide, murder, police education

Pages: 193-208 | Full text (PDF)

EU'S ENGAGEMENT IN THE EASTERN NEIGHBOURHOOD AMIDST INCREASED GEOPOLITICAL COMPETITION

Alexandru Laurențiu VOICU

Abstract: This paper looked into how the Chinese presence in the EaP area is affecting the strategic calculus of the EU and the EaP countries. The eastern neighborhood is at the crossroads of a possible new configuration, where the EaP countries have found themselves increasingly at the intersection of the interests of competing great powers that have changed the international environment. The ongoing conflict between an increasingly assertive and aggressive Russia and the West and increasing interests and financial investment from China as it implements its Belt and Road Initiative have put pressures on the EaP states. This raises the question regarding the possibility of cooperation between Russia and China in the region and how feasible that is. On the other hand, the EU is facing its own challenges regarding its relationship with the Chinese state in an increasingly adverse international environment. While the EU needs a functioning security system on its eastern border while maintaining functioning relations with competing powers, China's geopolitical status is rapidly changing. This is becoming particularly relevant today because Covid-19 has accelerated the US-China strategic rivalry and the prospect of new sanctions hangs over China. Beijing's growing influence in Eurasia has the potential to create new geo-economic divides, requiring the EU to reassess its focus on the EaP area.

Keywords: Eastern partnership, Eastern neighbourhood, competition, Belt and Road

Pages: 209-223 | Full text (PDF)

EURINT CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS | July 2-3, 2021

ISBN 978-606-714-658-5 | EDITURA UNIVERSITĂŢII "ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA" DIN IAŞI

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