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Shaping the European future: institutions, transformations, and digital challenges
Gabriela Carmen Pascariu, Bogdan-Constantin Ibanescu, Ciprian Alupului, Ioana-Maria Ursache (editors)
Volume 11 | 2024
Editorial: The European future and the crucial role of institutions in answering the digital challenges
DOI: https://doi.org/10.47743/eurint-2024-PAS |
Labour in the European Single Market: cultural perspectives vs.
neoclassical views
Oana-Maria Cozma
Abstract: The European Single
Market (ESM) enables free movement of people, goods, services,
and capital within the EU, creating a unified internal space
much like a single nation-state. Key among these freedoms is
labour mobility, which not only allows individuals to pursue
better employment but also promotes EU integration and cohesion.
This paper explores how labour market theories-the cultural
perspective and the neoclassical viewpoint-influence the ESM's
structure and impact on integration. Through content analysis of
academic literature and EU legislation, it examines how these
perspectives shape the conceptualization of the European labour
market. The analysis aims to clarify whether the ESM aligns more
closely with cultural or neoclassical ideals and to assess how
this alignment affects the EU's integration process. The study's
findings shed light on the theoretical foundations that guide
the EU's approach to labour mobility within the ESM and their
broader implications for European unity.
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Generation Y on the labour market and the new forms of education |
Societal resilience
during crises - how the Romanian society fared during the
pandemic and the war in Ukraine
Daniela Munteanu
Abstract: The present paper explores the dynamics of societal resilience to disinformation during periods of significant shocks, such as war, political unrest, and public health emergencies. Utilising a comprehensive framework, rooted in Euro-Atlantic conceptual approaches, regulations, and strategic policies, we analyse how various factors - such as media literacy, social cohesion, trust in institutions, and the robustness of information ecosystems - contribute to a society's ability to withstand and manage the spread of false information. Through the case study on Romanian society facing two of the decade's greatest shocks, we hope to contribute to the broader discourse on disinformation by exploring the role of governmental and non-governmental initiatives in enhancing media literacy and fostering a resilient public sphere. The main goals of the paper are to provide informed insights and actionable recommendations for policymakers, educators, and community leaders aiming to build more informed and resilient communities in the face of disinformation. Keywords: resilience, disinformation, crises, Romania, pandemic, war Pages: 45-64 | Full text (PDF) DOI: https://doi.org/10.47743/eurint-2024-MUN |
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Advancing circular economy: integrating consumers and
institutions towards sustainability
Olesea Plotnic, Rodica Crudu Abstract: The current linear economy, defined by a buy-use-discard approach, is unsustainable, leading to overconsumption and waste that threaten the environment. By 2050, global consumption is expected to surpass Earth's capacity by threefold, making the transition to a circular economy essential. This article explores the challenges and opportunities of adopting a circular economy, emphasizing the need for collective action at both national and international levels. It examines how consumer behaviour, policy-making, and stakeholder engagement can drive this transition. Drawing on initiatives like the European Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan, the article focuses on strategies within the European Union to promote sustainability and address the global overconsumption crisis. Keywords: circular economy, linear economy, sustainability, overconsumption, consumer behaviour , 65-83 | Full text (PDF) DOI: https://doi.org/10.47743/eurint-2024-PLO |
| Exploring tourists'
perceptions and influencing factors of creative tourism in
Europe
Mihaela Clincu, Iuliana Tudose-Pop Abstract: The emergence of co-creative interactions between tourists and touristic activities has extended in Europe generating increased interest, driven by contemporary trends in tourism emphasizing meaningful, authentic experiences and direct engagement with culture and local communities. Our paper aims to reveal insights and nuances in tourists' perceptions of creative destinations in Europe. The findings are based on a literature review on creative tourism and a qualitative methodology of two focus groups carried out with 20 people in total from 13 countries from Europe, including Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania and Spain. Within the focus groups there were explored the levels of understanding on the creative tourism concept, European destinations associated with creative tourism, influencing factors that stimulate engagement in creative tourism experiences in Europe as well future perspectives of creative tourism evolving in Europe. A diversity of opinions have emerged in consideration of creative tourism trends and patterns and the idea of a 'one-size-fits-all' model resulted to be particularly inappropriate in terms of creative tourism perceptions and experiences. Our analysis highlights several directions for further information development on the introduction of creative experiences into tourism developments. Keywords: creative tourism, Europe, tourists' perceptions, creative experiences Pages: 84-109 | Full text (PDF) DOI: https://doi.org/10.47743/eurint-2024-CLI |
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English as a dominant language and
the digital culture of the generation Z: the impact on Romanian
culture in the European context
Rebeca-Maria Oanță Abstract: English is not only the language of European policies and relations, but it is also the language of our films, our art and our culture. For many of us, the English language is an unavoidable tool for navigating the world. Consequently, this paper is focused on the use of English in everyday life with an emphasis on spoken language. This study will make an overview of how much the internet and English have impacted everyday discourse and Romanian culture. The core of the study is the analysis of spoken language within its younger, most digitalized generation, generation Z. This study will primarily focus on how English is used in informal contexts rather than formal. The analysis will serve as a demonstration of English's great dominance on Romanian culture and how it has shaped everyday language into a mixture of internet slang, memes and pop culture. The paper will conclude whether this form of multilingualism is either positive or negative for the development of the younger generation. Keywords: internet, technology, language, digital culture, English language, generation Z, Millennial generation, Romanian culture, literature , Pages: 110-126 | Full text (PDF) DOI: https://doi.org/10.47743/eurint-2024-OAN |
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Mapping the role of civil society
across the western Balkans
Jubjana Vila, Ingrit Melani
Abstract: The six Western Balkan
countries are experiencing simultaneous democratization and EU
integration processes. The EU has been leveraging the
possibility of EU membership and EU conditionality for the
implementation of a range of policies and promotion of
democratic reforms. In the context of EU conditionality, along
the other issues there is an emphasis on the 'week civil
society' across the Western Balkan countries. This study
examines the situation of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) as
agents of change in region. Through a comparative approach, it
aims to map the role of civil society across the WB countries to
understand the main issues and challenges in state-civil society
relationship for WB countries in promoting democratic
governance, reconciliation, and EU accession. DOI: https://doi.org/10.47743/eurint-2024-VIL |
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A comparison of subjective and
objective measures of health status
Paula Viziteu Abstract: Two types of categories for measuring health status are distinguished, the subjective and the objective. This study aims to shift from a subjective measure of Self-rated health (SRH) to a health index that is more objective. The research question asks about the advantages and disadvantages of each. Some positive aspects of the subjective method may be drawn from its simplicity, from accessibility of data collection, from low survey costs, from popularity, from the large use by researchers. It may be considered problematic because it relies on respondents' perceptions, which can change when reassessing health. There may also be problems with data accuracy. As for the health index, it can be recognized as easy to interpret, easy to solve econometric problems, i.e. problems related to multicollinearity. The difficult part is the construct of the index and the fact that data may change over time. This comparison can help researchers when choosing or updating a health measure, but also might contribute on health policy-decision-making Keywords: self-rated health, health index, measuring health, SF-36, EQ-5D, Pages: 143-155 | Full text (PDF) DOI: https://doi.org/10.47743/eurint-2024-VIZ |
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Third time's the charm? the EU - us
data privacy framework Bianca-Raluca Tulac Abstract: In the current context of globalisation, data transfer to non-EU countries is becoming an important component of international trade. For this reason, and by virtue of the right to the protection of personal data, the creation of a legal framework designed to provide adequate safeguards for European citizens is a constant concern of the European Union. Through the lens of this study, we aim to outline an overall perspective on the cooperation between the European Union and the United States of America, regarding the transfer of personal data. Starting from the exposition of the efforts made over time, in order to ensure a safety of the transatlantic flow of data, we will focus on the current provisions in force, known as Privacy Shield 2.0, determining, at the same time, the possible practical implications of them. Therefore, based on the study of the new rules established by the Privacy Shield 2.0, we will draw out the basic principles applicable to the transfer of data to the United States, the concrete effects of this act, presenting the legal challenges that its adoption brings, but also the ways in which it influences the development of international trade. Last but not least, we will analyse the likelihood of an invalidation of Privacy Shield 2.0 by reference to the premises of a possible Schrems III case. In this respect, we will present, on the one hand, the criticism of the way in which the European Union and the United States have agreed to reform the agreement on the confidentiality of data transfers, and, on the other hand, the steps taken against it. Keywords: personal data, personal data protection, GDPR, DPF, Schrems III case, Pages: 157-177 | Full text (PDF) DOI: https://doi.org/10.47743/eurint-2024-TUL |
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Content analysis of EU directives and
regulations: legislative frameworks and consumer rights
Alexandra Gheorghiu, Cosmin Ungureanu Abstract: This study analyses the European Union's regulatory frameworks on data protection and consumer rights. It examines landmark legislations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Data Governance Act (DGA), and others that shape data privacy, digital content management, and consumer protection across the EU. Utilizing Iramuteq software for content analysis, it identifies thematic clusters and relationships within the texts, uncovering core concepts like digital service conformity, consumer rights, and the role of public data governance. Through cluster and factor analysis, the study reveals how these legal instruments collectively promote data security, innovation, and market fairness while ensuring consistent consumer protection and legal compliance throughout EU member states. Keywords: EU Directives, GDPR, data protection, consumer rights, digital economy, Pages: 178-203 | Full text (PDF) DOI: https://doi.org/10.47743/eurint-2024-GHE |
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Unlocking financial data Alexandru Chistruga Abstract: The current research will concentrate on a legislative proposal that is awaiting approval, namely the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on a Framework for Financial Data Access. The proposed legislation seeks to establish rules governing the use, sharing, and access of certain categories of customer data in financial services, such as mortgage credit agreements, loans, investments in financial instruments, or pension rights. We understand the European Union's desire to establish a framework for access to financial data, especially since access to data would allow businesses to offer tailored products to customers based on the information they collect, but the regulation, at least in its current form, entails a number of obvious risks. For instance, investors specializing in recovering non-performing loans, also referred to as vulture funds, would obtain a plethora of information, facilitating the identification of debts suitable for effective enforcement. Therefore, the proposed regulation appears to be a lifeline for vulture funds, increasing their efficiency rather than eliminating them, even though, as we will show, their practices may be regarded as unethical. Keywords: data economy, framework for financial data access, vulture funds, Pages: 204-221 | Full text (PDF) DOI: https://doi.org/10.47743/eurint-2024-CHI |
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The role of external assistance in propelling the digitalization
of public services in the republic of Moldova Mihaela Grumeza, Rodica Crudu Abstract: Digitization of public services has become an imperative in modern governance, bringing promises of increased efficiency, transparency and greater citizen engagement. This study examines the critical role of external assistance in accelerating the digitization of public services in the Republic of Moldova, highlighting its impact on shaping national digitization agendas, particularly in transition economies. The relevance of the research lies in its ability to contribute to the development of effective and sustainable strategies for the digitization of the public sector, thus facilitating socio-economic development and strengthening international cooperation. The main aim of the study is to investigate the role of external assistance in this process, being structured on three objectives: exploring the theoretical concepts of e-government, analysing the impact of external assistance on digitization in Moldova and assessing the influence of digital public services on the development of local entrepreneurship. Through a qualitative methodological approach, the study provides valuable insights for policy makers and practitioners, contributing to the academic discourse on digital governance. Keywords: financial assistance, digitization, public services, e-government, efficiency, Pages: 222-241 | Full text (PDF) DOI: https://doi.org/10.47743/eurint-2024-GRU |
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Change and continuity in the EU's
'state building-security
nexus'
in Ukraine. A historical institutional perspective
Lucian Dumitrescu
Abstract: While the 2014 Annexation of Crimea has been presented by the scholarly literature as leading only to an incremental change in the state-building and foreign policy practices of the EU towards Ukraine, the 2022 invasion of the Russian Federation has been assessed as a critical juncture that has finally turned the EU into a geopolitical actor. The research question that my presentation seeks to answer to is whether the dynamic of the EU's 'state-building security nexus' in Ukraine could be looked at with a different conceptualization of institutional change, one that goes beyond the already traditional dichotomy between incremental change triggered by endogenous factors and the radical change that could be caused by a critical juncture like the 2022 War in Ukraine. By relying on historical institutionalism - an approach that still tries to find its place in an academic field that is clearly dominated by either rational institutionalism or constructivist institutionalism -, I trace two aspects of institutional change, i.e., speed and depth, that the EU's 'state building - security nexus' has undergone since 2014. Specifically, I bring under scrutiny three types of evolutions related to the EU's 'state-building security nexus' in Ukraine: strategic thinking, state building practices, and foreign policy actions. As I am interested in the evolution of the abovementioned aspects in the long run, my presentation also seeks to trace their dynamic after 2022. To this end, I employ process tracing as a research method, while the data that I use come from both primary sources, i.e., official documents of the EU, and secondary sources, that is, scholarly literature. Keywords: geopoliticization process, security-development nexus, historical institutionalism, comprehensive action, integrated action, Pages: 242-258 | Full text (PDF) DOI: https://doi.org/10.47743/eurint-2024-DUM |
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The impact of the Ukrainian-Russian war on European
cybersecurity
Andreea-Cosmina Foca
Abstract: In recent years it has been observed that conflicts have changed in the context of globalization. The military strategies have been influenced by innovations in the field of communication and information technology, giving modern warfare a fresh boost. More specifically, the concept of military warfare experienced changes, as well as the military strategies, to reduce deaths and accomplish political and military objectives at minimal cost. In this sense, the Ukrainian-Russian war serves as the most recent example, where cyberspace was also used as a battleground. The fact that cyberattacks are used in coordination with conventional military attacks against the Ukrainian territories shows that they are an important component of the military strategy to win the war. At the same time, recent events have already shown us that as the conflict escalated, Russian cyberattacks also targeted European nations who openly backed the Ukrainian cause. The cyberspace has become a new battleground where states are not sufficiently prepared to prevent and stop such cyberattacks, especially as they become more complex. In this regard, the current paper analyses the parts of the literature review which describe to what extent the Ukrainian-Russian war affected European cybersecurity. This study also aims to highlight the dangers and vulnerabilities faced by European governments in this regard and provide specialized solutions for cyber security practitioners or policymakers. The main research question seeks to analyse to what extent the use of cyber-attacks in a Russian-Ukrainian war affects European cybersecurity. Keywords: cyberspace, cybersecurity, cyberattacks, the European regulatory framework, cybersecurity perspectives, cybersecurity solutions, artificial intelligence Pages: 259-272 | Full text (PDF) DOI: https://doi.org/10.47743/eurint-2024-FOC |
| ISBN on line
978-606-714-914-2
EDITURA UNIVERSITĂŢII "ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA" DIN IAŞI |
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"This volume was supported by a grant of the Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digitization, CNCS - UEFISCDI, project number PN-III-P4-PCE-2021-1878, within PNCDI III" |
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