CIVIL SOCIETY ENGAGEMENT IN REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA’S ACCESSION NEGOTIATIONS: IMPLICATIONS AND PERSPECTIVES
Melania-Gabriela CIOT | Faculty of European Studies, “Babeş-Bolyai” University
Cluj/ Romania
Valeriu ȘARGAROVSCHI | “Babeş-Bolyai” University
Cluj/ Romania
Doi: http://doi.org/10.25019/europolity.2024.18.2.1
Abstract
This paper explores the role and impact of civil society engagement in the Republic of Moldova’s future accession negotiations to the European Union. Focusing on the intricate dynamics between governmental bodies and civil society actors, we investigate the implications of this engagement on the negotiation process and the subsequent integration into European frameworks. By analysing case studies and empirical data, we aim to shed light on the challenges, successes, and transformative potential of civil society participation in shaping the accession trajectory. Additionally, we discuss the broader implications of such engagement for democratization, governance, and societal development within the context of Republic of Moldova. The paper uses qualitative research strategy, with content analysis and study case, as research methods. It concludes with a reflection on the prospects and recommendations for fostering a more inclusive and effective collaboration between the government and civil society during accession negotiations. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on the role of civil society in international relations and offers insights into the specific context of Moldova’s accession journey.
Keywords
Accession negotiations; civic engagement; civil society; integration; democratization.
BEYOND SHORT-LIVED RESPONSES TO MALICIOUS CYBER OPERATIONS: THE UN GGE AND OEWG PROCESSES
Claudiu CODREANU | Romanian Diplomatic Institute
Bucharest/Romania
Doi: http://doi.org/10.25019/europolity.2024.18.2.2
Abstract
Western democracies imposed international sanctions, issued internationally coordinated public attributions, and/or deployed defensive cyberattacks after being hit by major cyber operations. These responses and measures have a role in reducing malicious state-sponsored activity, but their success is only temporary (if any). Bilateral agreements, such as the one between the US and China, are limited in scope, playing only a brief role. Moreover, a cyber arms control treaty could contribute to a more peaceful cyberspace, but it would be remarkably difficult to monitor compliance. Thus, in this study I shall explore the development and role of the two main United Nations processes on the security and usage of cyber technologies by state actors. In parallel, the paper will discuss the major cyber operations that have occurred during these processes, highlighting that progress has been largely obtained after escalations in cyber operations. The United Nations Groups of Governmental Experts and the Open-Ended Working Groups have achieved some limited results, but conclusive success is far from being obtained. State-actors’ behaviour in cyberspace is still an issue that needs to be regulated and normed at an international level, but it will be difficult to achieve a meaningful consensus among several loosely-formed groups of states with very different approaches to these issues. Thus, democratic states need to go beyond sanctions and use cyber diplomacy for the adoption of an international set of rules.
Keywords
Cybersecurity; cyber diplomacy; cyber governance; UN GGE; UN OEWG.
THE EFFECTS OF THE CROSSROADS PROGRAMME ON EARLY SCHOOL LEAVING AND SECONDARY SCHOOL CHOICE
Bálint HERCZEG | HÉTFA Research Institute
Budapest/Hungary
Luca KOLTAI | HÉTFA Research Institute
Budapest/Hungary
Kinga TÓTH | HÉTFA Research Institute
Budapest/Hungary
Doi: http://doi.org/10.25019/europolity.2024.18.2.3
Abstract
In our article we examine the effects of the Hungarian Reformed Church Aid’s Crossroads Program on the disadvantageous students of Ózd. The complex pilot program helped 120 students between the 7th and 10th grade to get and remain in secondary schools. We show that the treated students on average have a 28 percent higher probability to remain enrolled in a secondary school and a 16 percent higher probability to choose a secondary school that offers the chance of graduation and a gateway to tertiary education. Differences in dropout rates seem to be a more robust to changes in the specification than the effect on the secondary school choice.
Keywords
Disadvantages students; early school leaving; impact assessment.
POPULISM AND DE-EUROPEANIZATION OF THE FOREIGN POLICY IN RELATION TO THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT: THE CASE OF ROMANIA
Daniel GHEORGHE, Associate Professor
National University of Political Studies and Public Administration Bucharest/ Romania
Doi: http://doi.org/10.25019/europolity.2024.18.2.4
Abstract
Although often perceived as just a regional matter, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict developed as part of the larger, global environment. This aspect is confirmed by the multitude of actors involved in the effort to provide a balanced perspective on the relations between Israel and Palestine. In this context and despite a seeming alienation, the EU continues to remain a relevant actor in shaping certain dynamics in relation to the conflict. In many of these cases, an important role is played by certain populist initiatives supported by the Romanian government in order to generate an ideational socialization with Israel and certain Central and Eastern European governments in relation to the EU’s position on Israel. In this context, the research will be focusing on analysing the connection between the elements shaping this common ground and the main ideological lines guiding the subsequent interactions between the Israeli and the Romanian government during the presidency of Donald Trump.
Keywords
Atlanticism; de-Europeanization; foreign policy; Israeli-Palestinian conflict; populism.
PROPOSING A GOVERNANCE-RELATED COMPONENT AND INDICATORS EVALUTION MATRIX TO ASSESSING THE SOCIAL INCLUSIVENESS DIMENSION OF THE NEW EUROPEAN BAUSHAUS PROEJCTS
Eduardo MEDEIROS | Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal, ESTBarreiro
Lavradio/ Portugal
Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL), DINÂMIA’CET – IUL
Lisboa /Portugal
Oto POTLUKA | Center for Philanthropy Studies, University of Basel
Basel, Switzerland
Doi: http://doi.org/10.25019/europolity.2024.18.2.5
Abstract
Governance is the political facet of ‘inclusiveness’, one of the three main pillars of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) projects, alongside ‘aesthetics’ and ‘sustainability’. Governance is embodied by rules and norms and implemented through hard tools (laws, planning designs and strategies, funding schemes, etc.) and soft tools (ways of decision-making, targeting, capacity building, etc.) to implement sustainable goals effectively and democratically. In essence, the article presents a methodological proposal for assessing hard and soft governance elements of projects and policies, including elements such as spatial planning legislation, participatory approaches, multi-level governance, and administrative capacity frameworks. As a case study, the analysis is focused on the assessment of governance-related components and respective indicators of the NEB inclusiveness dimension. The proposed methodological approach resulted from more than a year of systematic research and consultation with existing literature and external experts on hard and soft governance. Expectedly, it can be applied to assess the influence and impact of governance-related processes in all sorts of projects and policies, as increasingly policymakers seek to assess their degree of positive impacts, effectiveness, and efficiency. The proposed methodological approach can be of use to a myriad of interested stakeholders and be associated with multi-disciplinary policy evaluation tools.
Keywords
Administrative capacity; hard governance; multilevel governance; participatory approaches; soft governance.
EXAMINING THE EU POLICIES AND CORPORATE RELATIONS THROUGH A CYBERSECURITY LENS
Oana-Alexandra SARCEA (MANEA) | National University of Political Studies and Public Administration
Bucharest/Romania
Ana-Maria COSTEA | National University of Political Studies and Public Administration
Bucharest/Romania
Alexandra ZBUCHEA | National University of Political Studies and Public Administration
Bucharest/Romania
Doi: http://doi.org/10.25019/europolity.2024.18.2.6
Abstract
The present paper integrates a broad analysis of European Union policies and their synergy with private corporations through a cybersecurity filter. As the digital landscape evolved, the EU has implemented a series of regulations and directives aimed at sustaining cybersecurity across member states. Various EU regulations establish strict requirements for cyber resilience and data protection. The analysis explores how these policies affect private corporations, emphasizing the impact on operational practices and compliance challenges. The paper examines the joint frameworks established between the EU and private sector entities, such as information-sharing initiatives and public-private partnerships. A bibliometric analysis was conducted to highlight the connections between the key terms used in the study. This analysis allows understanding of the interferences between the cybersecurity-related EU framework and private companies operating in the EU.
Keywords
Bibliometric analysis; cybersecurity; EU policies; private corporations.
ROMANIA’S ROLE IN EU ENLARGEMENT: CHALLENGES, OPPORTUNITIES, AND STRATEGIC PREFERENCES FOR THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA’S ACCESSION
Nicolae TODERAȘ, PhD | National University of Political Studies and Public Administration
Bucharest/Romania
Doi: http://doi.org/10.25019/europolity.2024.18.2.7
Abstract
The article analyses how Romania promotes its national preferences in the EU enlargement process, with a particular focus on supporting the Republic of Moldova in becoming an EU member. The characteristics and dynamics of the current wave of EU enlargement are examined and several challenges that may delay the accession of some of the candidate countries are discussed. Additionally, the opportunities and challenges related to Romania’s contribution in helping the Republic of Moldova prepare for the pre-accession stage and subsequently for EU membership are explored.
Keywords
EU enlargement; national preferences; Republic of Moldova.
THE ROLE OF NAGORNO KARABAKH IN THE NARRATIVE OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NATIONAL IDENTITY OF AZERBAIJAN AND A NEW POST-CONFLICT IDENTITY
Dr. Jordi XUCLÀ, Professor | Ramon Llull University
Barcelona/ Spain
Doi: http://doi.org/10.25019/europolity.2024.18.2.8
Abstract
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over control of the territory of Nagorno Karabakh has impregnated the construction of post-Soviet national identity in both Caucasian republics for three decades. In 2020 Azerbaijan regained control of the territories and restored its territorial integrity in accordance with international law and UN resolutions.
This research analyses the construction of the Azerbaijani national identity marked by the events of January 20, 1990, a policy of promoting major events and an initial stage based on oil production and export. In December 2023 the country was chosen to host the COP29 meeting and thus joins other fossil energy producing countries promoting the renewable energy industry. In this frame, the Azerbaijani authorities promoted the construction of a narrative about Nagorno Karabakh based on renewable energies, an ecological approach in the creation of a new local economy and the promotion of smart villages to welcome the return of internally displaced people.
Keywords
Armenia; Azerbaijan; COP29; Nagorno Karabakh; national identities; renewable energy industry.
