Issue No. 25

2018 Issue No. 25 /March:DISINTEGRATION AND INTEGRATION IN EAST-CENTRAL EUROPE: 4TH EDITION
The future of the European Union from a historical perspective. Shaping tomorrow’s Europe – ideas, considerations and strategies in the dialogue between generations

*Faculty of European Studies, Cluj-Napoca, 26-27 October 2017*

Table of Contents

1. Monica BURCĂ-VOICU, Horațiu DAN, Mircea MANIU: POLICY DESIGN FOR COMPETITIVENESS. A HETERODOX VIEW ON THE PRESENT DAY GOVERNANCE OF THE ROMANIAN ECONOMIC LIFE AND BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

Abstract:

As the Romanian political outlook became much more clustered and therefore more predictable following the 2016 elections, though not clearer structured on left-right coordinates, the expectations of a sharper policy design and consequent actions of both micro and macroeconomic consistence were, and still are higher than ever in the country. Meanwhile, the obvious impact of a plethora of negative exogenous factors, emerging from EU and worldwide, induced new and unexpected types of constraints for the domestic economic policy framework. Within this juncture our research attempts to assess the present day situation, from a methodologically heterodox perspective. While the overall target of both political and economic consistence is a fixed one and consists in real EU convergence on a determined strategic horizon, the means (specific economic mechanisms) to reach this goal should be flexible and dynamic. Simply put the unsatisfactory outcomes of the last couple of decades induce this strong need to change methodological perspectives. First of all, we attempt to delineate, on historical coordinates, why the present state of the affairs and the governmental political economy that induced this state is inappropriate and is not serving the long quest for competitiveness of the Romanian economy within EU.  Evaluating the growth potential of the economy on several layers and comparing stage results we try to point to creative solutions that would   interlock public and private spheres and make a noticeable difference on the short run.  In this endeavor we try to emphasize the delicate connection between the outlook of the economy and which institutional parameters of the economic culture and education would be relevant for the case of contemporary Romania. This paper would be only the inception of a larger research framework, meant to contribute with academic means to the overall economic policy design as well as refine the business environment governance procedures, an imperative must for competitiveness, sustainable growth and accelerated development of the country.

 

2. Lilia CAVALLARI, Simone ROMANO: FORESIGHT AND THE MACROECONOMIC IMPACT OF FISCAL POLICY: EVIDENCE FOR FRANCE, GERMANY AND ITALY

Abstract

Abstract: 

This contribution provides evidence in support of the hypothesis that fiscal policy is largely anticipated and its effects depend on expectations. Based on a 2-country Bayesian VAR model between major European economies, we found that an unanticipated fiscal stimulus leads to expectations of strong deficit reversals. This in turn depresses domestic and foreign activity. Foresight shocks, on the contrary, have positive effects on domestic activity. Differences in the responses to surprise and foresight shocks reflect the role of expectations. The evidence in our study is consistent with a regime where deficit reversals are mainly based on taxation alone.

 
Abstract

Abstract:

Soon before the euro started to circulate among European citizens, Rudiger Dornbusch (2001) wrote, about the new currency: “It can’t happen, it’s a bad idea, it won’t last”. Although not unanimously shared, this strongly pessimistic vision was behind most of the contributions that economists from the US gave to the debate on the euro since it was first publicly announced, with the publication of the Delors report in 1989. Krugman, Feldstein, Dornbusch, Bayoumi, Kenen, Eichengreen, McKinnon, Tobin and many others provided a vast literature on the (many) risks and (scarce) opportunities of the European single currency. The untimely defence of the euro by Jonung and Drea (2009) and Issing (2012) provided new material for critique to a structure of economic governance in the Eurozone manifestly unsuccessful.

The aim of the paper is to illustrate the (critical) contributions that US economists gave to the debate on the EMU and the euro, attempting a new assessment of their role. Some of them may be seen as merely instrumental to hinder a project that might jeopardize the dollar hegemony in the international monetary system, and many of them rely too much on a static concept of Optimum Currency Area’s criteria (as Jonung and Drea suggested). But most, further critiques should have been (and should now be) considered more seriously, in an attempt to build a framework for the long-term sustainability and success of the euro.

 

4. Adrian-Gabriel CORPĂDEAN: ASSESSMENTS AND PROSPECTS FOR THE INTEGRATION OF THE WEST BALKANS. THE CASE OF MONTENEGRO

Abstract

Abstract:

The article analyses the most significant steps taken by the young Republic of Montenegro towards Euro-Atlantic integration, as an interesting case study indicative of the broader region, despite various particularities that have been properly exhibited. From a historiographic standpoint, it draws the country’s timeline to independence amid the intricate Yugoslav file, notably by following the role of Milo Đukanović and his changing attitude towards Slobodan Milošević. NATO membership was achieved amid a considerable amount of political turmoil and international pressure, with the Kremlin’s rhetoric proving particularly hostile in this regard, but also with support on the part of key NATO actors. On the other hand, the EU integration bid is undoubtedly more sinuous, with most negotiation chapters opened by this time, albeit in the context of notable political, juridical and economic concerns. One of the most complicated points appears to be the unilateral decision of the Montenegrin government to adopt the single European currency, which indeed sets a precedent in the negotiation process. Particular emphasis in our assessments also lies on the state of administrative reform, with notable strategic endeavours underlined and shortcomings brought forward, including the ever-challenging files pertaining to the size of the administrative apparatus, corruption and the need to build a meritocracy-driven public administration system.

PhD Students’ Workshop: 

5. Shula MENACHEM: WHAT SHOULD POLITICIANS KNOW ABOUT BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN DECIDERS AND RECEIVERS?

Abstract

Abstract:

This article reviews the gap between declared policy and its implementation in the field of social services and examine the nature of the gap. The article will suggest an original and unique approach to bridge the gap, an approach that is based on the findings and conclusions of the doctoral dissertation entitled “An Evaluation of Social Services Policy in Israel: from Deciders to Receivers”, under the supervision of Professor Dr. Vasile Puscas at Babes-Bolyai – University Cluj-Napoca, Faculty of European Studies

The findings stress the concept of “new politics” (Pierson, 2001) and the need to acknowledge that decision making is a process that involves participants both inside and outside the political arena.

 

 6. Ori Nissim LEVI: FAILURE OF THE SUPERPOWERS (U.S.A., RUSSIA, JAPAN) TO HANDLE LARGE NUCLEAR EVENTS

Abstract

Abstract

The current article describes research about large nuclear events that occurred around the world, key failures that led to defective handling, presents the need f or better preparedness than currently exists and how this can be provided using the ONDM model. The Operational Nuclear Defense Model – ONDM is a model that can be applied to cope with nuclear disasters around the world at a policy making level in the area of CBRNE Defense (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive materials). In this case, a nuclear event refers to a large scale nuclear incident rated at the highest level (6-7 in the International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale – INES) caused by bombing, malfunction, terrorist act or natural disaster that demands treatment and a public response on a governmental level. A study of previous incidents teaches us that there were recurring failures in dealing with nuclear events, and even reveals that lessons have not yet been learned from past events and current preparedness for future events is lacking. This in contrast to a greater need for preparedness in these tense times. This research revealed critical failures, which are responded to in the developed model.

  • Keywords: CBRNE, ABC, Homeland Security, Governmental, ONDM, Mega event, Nuclear, Risk analysis assessment, Civil defense.
  • DOI:10.24193/OJMNE.2018.25.06

7. Vidal YAAKOV: “AT THE EMPLOYERS’ GATES: THE EUROPEAN CHALLENGE FACING ASYLUM SEEKERS AS EMPLOYMENT APPLICANTS”

Abstract

Abstract:

The flood of asylum seekers in Europe in the past few years brings about a challenge to employers in accepting them to work. Offering a potential solution to the selection process targeted at helping employers in Europe sort asylum seeker job applicants who lack sufficient documentation, by using tools from the security world. Using these tools helps employers verify biographical and other data candidates provide in documents and declarations during their recruitment process. Briefly reviewing the phenomenon of asylum seekers in Europe, in order to explain the phenomenon of CV fraud and offering verification tools from the security world that were developed in an attempt to respond to this widespread phenomenon. Examine tools that are used worldwide and propose one tool that is suitable to help selecting candidates that lack sufficient documentation such as asylum seekers.

  • Keywords:  Asylum seekers, Work candidates, Recruitment and selection, Employers, Data verification, Background checks, integrity interview.
  • DOI:10.24193/OJMNE.2018.25.07
 

 8. Andreea STRETEA: THE FRENCH-GERMAN APPROACH ON THE FUTURE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

Abstract

Abstract

The European political scene became uncertain in recent years, as several crises shook the continent from the ground. Starting with the BREXIT and the rise of populist parties all over the European continent and continuing with the migration crises, the Eurozone crises etc. – all of these led to the emergence of several scenarios and proposals for the future of the European Union. France and Germany were always at the core of the decision-making process, as they are two of the most important and powerful member states inside the Union, especially now that UK has decided to leave. Therefore, the rest of the Member States are looking up to them, expecting solutions for this general crises the EU is facing. This article seeks to analyze and determine the importance and influence these two Member States have inside the EU and how are they planning to use that influence in persuading others on following their action plans. Is it possible they join forces and start working together properly towards a common goal, or their historical past will catch up to them preventing them to think about the general wellbeing of the Union and the greater good?

 

 

 

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