Ekspansja Gazpromu na niemiecki rynek energetyczny w okresie rządów Angeli Merkel 2005-2015

Author(s): Maciej Paszyn / Language(s): English,Polish Issue: 04/2015

The article presents the expansion of the Russian gas potentate, Gazprom, in Germany. Owing to special power relations between Moscow and Berlin, the Kremlin can realize its political and economic goals. Gas trade brings enormous profits to the budget of the Russian Federation, and moreoveris an element of regaining influence over Europe byPutin's team. Through presence at the largest gas market in the EU, a company controlled by the Kremlin can be simultaneously present in the EU energy system. Excellent business relations with Germany resulted in Gazprom being the largest contractor of European gas companies.

Region, innovation and knowledge in strategy of European Union economic growth and social security

Author(s): Zdzisław W. Puślecki / Language(s): English Issue: 9/2015

The main aim of this paper is an analysis of the region in general form and to look at innova- tion and knowledge in the European Union’s economic growth and social security strategy. The research objectives here encompass the presentation of the innovation system and knowledge in promoting entrepreneurship, the theoretical concept of the innovation system and process at the level of the region, the knowledge-based economy, constructed advantage, the constructed advantage provided by the Triple Helix model, Europe 2020 strategy, Innovation Union and Horizon 2020 as the financial instruments implemented by the Innovation Union. An important result of the research is the conclusion that in the innovation process the connections between science (universities), market (industry) and government are very important. There is a positive dependence between innovation activities and the effectiveness of the innovation process. More interaction and cooperation can be observed on the regional than on the state level. The new programmes of scientific and innovation research, Europe 2020 and the Innovation Union, are very important factors in the strategy of the European Union’s economic growth and social security.

Od recesji do reindustrializacji. Nowy priorytet rozwoju społeczno-gospodarczego Unii Europejskiej w dobie narastającej konkurencji globalnej

Author(s): Maciej Walkowski / Language(s): Polish Issue: 9/2015

After over a dozen years of the illusory belief in the success of the „knowledge-based economy", mainly based on knowledge-intensive services (KIS), and the e-economy development model, EU policymakers noticed the error of de-industrialisation initiated in the late 1980s. Both at the level of member states and that of European institutions – under the banner of re-industrialisation – it was decided to return to the idea of developing a modern and competitive European industry. Deindustrialisation meant that European corporations transferred their labour-intensive production to the ‘largest factory of the world,’ namely China and other emerging markets of South and East Asia. This was associated with the loss of thousands of jobs in European industries, increasing unemployment and social discontent. In the paper, the author describes and evaluates the idea of the re-industrialisation of the European economy and discusses the most important initiatives necessary to implement the vision of a modern, innovative and industrial Europe.

Integracja regionalna UE a reguły GATT/WTO

Author(s): Joanna Skrzypczyńska / Language(s): Polish Issue: 9/2015

The main purpose of regional integration is to remove trade barriers between participant countries and set up trade barriers against third countries. The European Union, on the one hand, established a single market, thereby creating a free trade area between member countries, on the other hand, it uses a variety of protection mechanisms towards third countries. The aim of the paper is to analyse trade rules under the GATT and the European integration process. The paper also examines how European integration deals with the rules of regional agreements established under Article XXIV of the GATT.

Związki wolności ekonomicznej i rozwoju społeczno-gospodarczego w Unii Europejskiej w latach 2007-2013

Author(s): Krzysztof Hajder / Language(s): Polish Issue: 9/2015

This paper analyses the counter-crisis policy by means of examining crucial measures of socio-economic development, such as GDP per capita, sovereign debt, budget deficit, the share of public income and expenditure in GDP, unemployment rate, the percentage of people at risk of poverty, etc. The analysis concerns EU member states in 2007–2014 and concentrates on the division of states in terms of economic freedom which facilitates the assessment of economic efficiency in terms of the involvement of state in economy.

The state’s role in the economy after a crisis – the rationale behind it and recommendations

Author(s): Marta Götz / Language(s): English Issue: 9/2015

This paper showcases a review of recent approaches towards the state role in the post-crisis economy. The background for the analysis is the support and austerity paradox. A state is supposed to stabilise the economy, stimulate growth and prevent abuses by better supervision, and at the same time to reduce the burden on society by slashing debt. A survey of the selected literature shows that the financial turbulence and recent economic downturn call for more state presence in market processes. There is a rationale behind such interventions, although, given the risks involved, a balanced and prudent approach is required. Recommendations in this respect have been formulated.

Wpływ rosyjsko-ukraińskich kryzysów gazowych na politykę energetyczną UE – ujęcie teoretyczne

Author(s): Mariusz Ruszel / Language(s): Polish Issue: 2/2015

Energy crises, in particular the gas crises caused by the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, have had a significant impact on EU energy security. The aim of this paper is to analyse the impact of the Russian-Ukrainian gas crisis on the development of EU energy policy, in particular its regulatory environment. Insecurity contributes to increased solidarity among EU states, resulting in their greater willingness to create political coalitions. With the growth of the aggressive energy policy of the Russian Federation, which is based on the school of realism, EU institutions respond with instruments taken from the school of liberalism. The paper is a critical analysis in terms of political science and factor analysis. The author uses the assumptions of both the theory of realism and that of liberalism. The conclusions presented in the article are based on a forecasting technique.

The Integration of China into the World Trade System and the Increase in its Role in International Business

Author(s): Zdzisław W. Puślecki / Language(s): English Issue: 3/2015

In this research, the author focuses on an analysis of the integration of China into the World Trade System and the increase in its role in international business. The importance and innovativeness of the research is indicated by the presentation of the new circumstances for the development of the global economy and global trade, where the People’s Republic of China seems to be a production superpower, able to change world trade. In many areas it possesses comparative advantages. China may continue its development, to specialise in electronics and increasingly in services. With or without further trade agreements, services will be traded more and Chinese trade policies will have to adjust to changes in the global organisation. The question that arises is whether the West will see China’s rise as an opportunity for co-operation or for conflict. Economic growth in China is generally more preferable to its extensive military expansion. With new investment, a country can transform its position through industrial expansion at home and sustain it through international trade. China is especially sensitive to the advantages of intensive growth and will not wish to disrupt the essential economic arrangements that have been crucial to its success. The main aim of the paper is to present the integration of China into the World Trade System and the increase in its role in international business.

The difference in under-expenditure of the social welfare budget in Korea

Author(s): Young Lee / Language(s): English Issue: 3/2015

This research investigates the relationship between under-expenditure of the social welfare budget within a limited budget and the determinants that have an effect on them. Relationships and de- terminants between under-expenditure of the social welfare budget have generally received relatively little attention from academics. The aim of this article is to examine the differences in the under-expenditures of the social welfare budget in the Korea between 1965 and 2008. It is shown that pub lic assistance and social service expenditures are not comparable with national insurance expenditure according to the Box-Jenkins’ multi-variant ARIMA models. The appearance of them being commensu- rate is spurious because it is affected by political economic factors. The research findings in this paper can contribute to the development of budgetary theory and budgetary politics. However some findings within in the ARIMA models were incapable of being interpreted within existing theories and conjecture such as those with a 9 year time lag, etc. Further studies are there- fore required.

Dylematy wprowadzenia euro w Polsce przez pryzmat polityczny i gospodarczy

Author(s): Grzegorz Piwnicki / Language(s): Polish Issue: 1/2016

The issue of Poland’s accession to the eurozone is universal and crucial both in economic and political terms, as well as with reference to civilizational processes. After the collapse of communism, Poland opted to join European structures (NATO and the European Union). This choice was concordantly made by the political elite, and the entire internal and foreign policy of Poland was aimed at these goals, which were eventually achieved in 1999–2004. It might seem that having succeeded there, Poland would continue to integrate with the West and become a part of Western European civilization. This is the only way to escape the peripheries and take a central position in Europe and western civilization, something Poland has unavailingly endeavored to achieve for centuries. It has turned out, however, that on account of opportunistic and short-term gains the majority of the political elite have changed their standpoint on this fundamental issue. This political trend is quite dangerous as it may result in the Polish state and society being marginalized on the peripheries of European circles. The euro is more than a single currency, it is also a guarantee of Poland’s permanent position in the center of Europe, that could ensure secure its existence, its present and future economic stability, and liberation from its Eastern European past.

EU Policies Regarding the Development of Trust-like Devices - Recent Challenges, Achievements, Prospects and Terminological Insights

Author(s): Irina Gvelesiani / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2016

“Trust” is a versatile instrument which is suitable for a great variety of purposes. Many scholars believe, that the original form of this institution appeared in common law, while in the 20th century the process of globalization stipulated the “internationalization” of the trust mechanism. The starting point of this process was the conclusion of the Hague Convention on the Law Applicable to Trusts and on their Recognition. Initially, the civil law jurisdictions were unable to adopt “trust” structure in which common-law power and equity power belonged to separate entities. Despite this fact, in the recent years, trust-like devices have been introduced in certain economic-juridical systems of Europe. Their rapid implementation raised the question of the establishment of innovative policies. This paper will discuss the latest achievements and existing challenges based on the example of the German juridical-economic system. The aim is to make useful proposals for the successful planning of the European entrusting processes.

Aktywne formy przeciwdziałania wykluczeniu społecznemu

Author(s): Marta Danecka / Language(s): Polish Issue: 47/2016

The article touched a problem of social exclusion in the context of the return to the labor market. The starting point is the lack of activation of people excluded by social assistance. It also stresses the side effects experienced by its protégés: passivity, inheritance lifestyle based on social benefits and lack of motivation to integrate with the local community.The guidelines for the directions of social policies within the EU development model meant that social policy, in particular the so-called activation policy seeks methods to counteract these pathologies. By incorporating social economy entities and non-governmental sector to carry out tasks at the level of social assistance it was given the chance to depart from treating social assistance as an institution of social transfers.Created multisectorial social assistance is based on three pillars: welfare (traditional), pro-employment and reintegration, which is implemented through the creation of social employment institutions. The new system involves conditioning aid. The article presents the basic data ofthe social employment and its beneficiaries. It should be noted that the main problem in the process of activation of the long-term unemployed is very low effectiveness and a very marginal effect of their employment after completing the course. This issue is shown from two perspectives: quantitative – with statistical indicators and qualitative – determination motivation to undertake the activity. There is a statistical picture of two indicators: the completion of training and economic independence. The qualitative perspective is based on the results of surveys dedicated to the theme of client’s attitudes to social and economic activation and their work in the future.

Znaczenie państwa w kształtowaniu uwarunkowań dla rozwoju przedsiębiorczości

Author(s): Barbara Piontek / Language(s): Polish Issue: 47/2016

Destabilisation of Polish law is still growing. Entrepreneurs complain more and more often about barriers for development created by the state. Business is not able to keep up with changes in law, that has never before been taken up so often. Moreover, our actions are based on short-term scenarios and prospects for long-term benefits are absent. We do not realise long-term strategies. We need wise decisions and common actions – not based on political parties’ interests but taken up with a perspective care for Poland in 20, 50 or 100 years ahead.The aim of the paper is to indicate the key areas within which the state – enterprise relationship is harmful and stops development of entrepreneurship. An assumption that entrepreneur takes up a key place in social order and that conditions for well-functioning of enterprises result in growth and development processes is taken in the study. State fulfils an essential role in shaping favourable conditions, however, nowadays it is inefficient in many areas. Activation of entrepreneurship is essentially important. It is shaped consciously and depends on a model of development chosen by politicians and decision makers. If we allow external entities to economically adopt our economy and our economic functions of life, it will appear that we are only able to vegetate on economic and intellectual respirator.

Unite or Fall

Author(s): Oksana Dutchak / Language(s): English Issue: 3/2015

Ukraine is facing changes of a significant scale. Caused by external and internal factors and processes, these changes will influence the socio-economic and political reality of the majority of Ukrainians. The character and degree of the changes are yet to be defined in the political struggle inside the country. Do workers, as the biggest social class, have the potential to press for their interests in the face of a spiraling crisis? In this article we tried to answer this question by analyzing labor protests in the country. Our research of empirical material of the Ukrainian Protest and Coercion database shows that labor actors have significant bargaining power on local issues but lack coordinated and relatively large-scale mobilization, hence, can hardly influence state-level politics. Being scattered and defensive, lacking solidarity among themselves and without support from allies, workers have few chances to succeed in promoting their agenda. Some possible logical and empirically supported solutions to increase labor bargaining power in this context are also suggested in the article.

Vojaške preskrbnine in pokojnine v prvi svetovni vojni

Author(s): Kornelija Ajlec / Language(s): Slovenian Issue: 2/2015

The contribution discusses the Austro-Hungarian approach to the development of social security policy for military personnel and their families during war and peacetime. On the basis of legislative documents and articles in the Slovenian newspapers it specifically explores the period of World War I. It shows that Austro-Hungary entered the war relatively well-prepared as far as maintenance was concerned.

Participation in the Administration of Local Welfare Systems in Spain

Author(s): Enrique Pastor Seller / Language(s): English Issue: 01/2016

The study, carried out from 2012 to 2015, has produced a typology of the mechanism, organisms and processes of civil participation in the autonomic system of social welfare in Spain. The study also performed a comparative analysis of cases, and assessed the impact, in terms of contributions of the Councils, in the democratic deepening of local public policies in terms of social welfare, and the improvement of the efficiency in managing social services and benefits. The research context was the autonomic system of social welfare and services in Spain and, more specifically, the offer of opportunities for associative and/or individual participation in the implementation, management and assessment of local social policies. For this purpose, the systematic analysis of the last 17 Laws of Social Services was promulgated, as well as the mechanisms and organisms for promotion of participation in the management of public policies. In order to carry out this analysis, we have approached a local corporation (town councils and municipal associations) responsible with administrating Services of Social Wellbeing which exist in the Región, and paid special attention to Councils and Institutes. The result discusses the role of different typologies and array of mechanisms, bodies and process of participation in the design, management and assessment of social welfare policies at a local level. Finally, we determine the factors that help to increase the efficiency of social public policies, by means of an increase in the citizens’ participation in local governance.

Slovenská rozvojová spolupráca v roku 2013

Author(s): Peter Brezáni,Nora Beňáková / Language(s): Slovak Issue: 1/2013

Budúcnosť hospodárskej a menovej únie - udržia štyri piliere strechu nad hlavou?

Author(s): Roman Lajčiak,Andrea Elscheková-Matisová / Language(s): Slovak Issue: 1/2012

Záchranca a zachraňovaný

Author(s): Martin Vlachynský / Language(s): Slovak Issue: 1/2012

Slovenská rozvojová spolupráca v roku 2012

Author(s): Peter Brezáni,Nora Beňáková ,Ján Mihálik / Language(s): Slovak Issue: 1/2012