Policy recommendations of international bureaucracies: the importance of country-specificity

2021 ◽  
pp. 002085232110133
Author(s):  
Per-Olof Busch ◽  
Hauke Feil ◽  
Mirko Heinzel ◽  
Jana Herold ◽  
Mathies Kempken ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Policy Advice ◽  
Relative Influence ◽  
Financial Policy ◽  
Policy Recommendations ◽  
Member States ◽  
Global Survey ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Administrative Units ◽  
Tailored Advice ◽  
International Bureaucracies

Many international bureaucracies give policy advice to national administrative units. Why is the advice given by some international bureaucracies more influential than the recommendations of others? We argue that targeting advice to member states through national embeddedness and country-tailored research increases the influence of policy advice. Subsequently, we test how these characteristics shape the relative influence of 15 international bureaucracies’ advice in four financial policy areas through a global survey of national administrations from more than 80 countries. Our findings support arguments that global blueprints need to be adapted and translated to become meaningful for country-level work. Points for practitioners National administrations are advised by an increasing number of international bureaucracies, and they cannot listen to all of this advice. Whereas some international bureaucracies give ‘one-size-fits-all’ recommendations to rather diverse countries, others cater their recommendations to the national audience. Investigating financial policy recommendations, we find that national embeddedness and country-tailored advice render international bureaucracies more influential.

scholarly journals Management of insecticides for use in disease vector control: a global survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henk van den Berg ◽  
Haroldo Sergio da Silva Bezerra ◽  
Emmanuel Chanda ◽  
Samira Al-Eryani ◽  
Bhupender Nath Nagpal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vector Control ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Worker Safety ◽  
External Support ◽  
Vector Borne Diseases ◽  
Global Survey ◽  
Pesticide Management ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Vector Borne

Abstract Background: Vector control plays a critical role in the prevention, control and elimination of vector-borne diseases, and interventions of vector control continue to depend largely on the action of chemical insecticides. A global survey was conducted on the management practices of vector control insecticides at country level to identify gaps to inform future strategies on pesticide management, seeking to improve efficacy of interventions and reduce the side effects of chemicals used on health and the environment.Methods: A survey by questionnaire on the management practices of vector control insecticides was disseminated among all WHO Member States. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.Results: Responses were received from 94 countries, or a 48% response rate . Capacity for insecticide resistance monitoring was established in 68-80% of the countries in most regions, often with external support; however, this capacity was largely lacking from the European & Others Region. Procurement of vector control insecticides was in 50-75% of countries taking place by agencies other than the central-level procuring agency, over which the central authorities lacked control, for example, to select the product or assure product quality. Moreover, some countries experienced problems with estimating the correct amounts for procurement, especially for emergency purposes. Large fractions of countries across regions showed shortcomings in worker safety, pesticide storage practices, and pesticide waste disposal. Shortcomings were most pronounced in countries of the European & Others region, which has long been relatively free from mosquito-borne diseases but have recently faced challenges of re-emerging vector-borne diseases.Conclusions: Critical shortcomings in the management of vector control insecticides are common in countries across regions, with risks of adverse pesticide effects on health and the environment. Advocacy and resource mobilization are needed at regional and country level to address these challenges.

Quality of data on intra-EU trade in goods

2019 ◽  
Vol 64 (6) ◽  
pp. 5-15
Author(s):  
Iwona Markowicz ◽  
Paweł Baran
Keyword(s):  
Poor Quality ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Quality Of Data ◽  
Member States ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Country Level ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Made In

Official statistics on trade in goods between EU member states are collect-ed on country-level and then aggregated by Eurostat. Methodology of data collecting differs slightly between member states(e.g. various statistical thresholds and coverage), including differences in exchange rates as well as undeclared or late-declared transac-tions, errors in classification of goods and other mistakes. It often involves incomparability of mirror data (nominally concerning the same transactions recorded in statistics of both dispatcher and receiver countries). A huge part of these differences can be explained with the variable quality of data resources in the Eurostat database. In the study data quality on intra-EU trade in goods for 2017 was compared between Poland and neigh-bouring EU countries, i.e.:Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Lithuania,and other Baltic states–Latvia and Estonia. The additional aim was to indicate the directions hav-ing the greatestinfluence on the observed differences in mirror data. The results of the study indicate that the declarations made in Estonia affect the poor quality of data on trade in goods between the countries mentioned above to the greatest extent.

scholarly journals Prioritising children and adolescents in the tuberculosis response of the WHO European Region

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (151) ◽  
pp. 180106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias I. Gröschel ◽  
Martin van den Boom ◽  
Giovanni Battista Migliori ◽  
Masoud Dara
Keyword(s):  
World Health ◽  
Regional Office ◽  
Member States ◽  
Country Level ◽  
National Strategic Plan ◽  
Regional Meeting ◽  
Latent Tb ◽  
Low Incidence ◽  
Latent Tb Infection ◽  
Health Organization

In 2017, in recognition of the challenges faced by Member States in managing childhood and adolescent tuberculosis (TB) at a country level, the WHO Regional Office for Europe held a Regional Consultation. In total, 35 countries participated in the consultations representing both high- and low-incidence Member States. Here, we provide an overview of the existing World Health Organization (WHO) documents and guidelines on childhood and adolescent TB and describe the outcomes of this regional meeting. National childhood and adolescent TB guidelines are available in 25% of Member States, while 33% reported that no such guidelines are at hand. In the majority of countries (83%), childhood and adolescent TB is part of the National Strategic Plan. The most pressing challenges in managing paediatric TB comprise the lack of adequate drug formulations, the difficult diagnosis, and treatment of presumed latent TB infection. Investments into childhood and adolescent TB need to be further advocated to achieve the End TB goals set by WHO to eliminate TB by 2030.

scholarly journals COVID-19 European regional tracker

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Asjad Naqvi
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
National Level ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Raw Data ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Level Data ◽  
Administrative Units ◽  
European Regional

AbstractThis Tracker presents data on daily COVID-19 cases at the sub-national level for 26 European countries from January 2020 till present. Country-level data sources are identified and processed to form a homogenized panel at the NUTS 3 or NUTS 2 level, the two lowest standardized administrative units in Europe. The strengths and weaknesses of each country dataset are discussed in detail. The raw data, spatial layers, the code, and the final homogenized files are provided in an online repository for replication. The data highlights the spatial distribution of cases both within and across countries that can be utilized for a disaggregated analysis on the impacts of the pandemic. The Tracker is updated monthly to expand its coverage.

scholarly journals The heart of bureaucratic power: Explaining international bureaucracies’ expert authority

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Andrea Liese ◽  
Jana Herold ◽  
Hauke Feil ◽  
Per-Olof Busch
Keyword(s):  
Financial Policy ◽  
Global Impact ◽  
Global Challenges ◽  
Bureaucratic Power ◽  
International Bureaucracies

Abstract Expert authority is regarded as the heart of international bureaucracies’ power. To measure whether international bureaucracies’ expert authority is indeed recognised and deferred to, we draw on novel data from a survey of a key audience: officials in the policy units of national ministries in 121 countries. Respondents were asked to what extent they recognised the expert authority of nine international bureaucracies in various thematic areas of agricultural and financial policy. The results show wide variance. To explain this variation, we test well-established assumptions on the sources of de facto expert authority. Specifically, we look at ministry officials’ perceptions of these sources and, thus, focus on a less-studied aspect of the authority relationship. We examine the role of international bureaucracies’ perceived impartiality, objectivity, global impact, and the role of knowledge asymmetries. Contrary to common assumptions, we find that de facto expert authority does not rest on impartiality perceptions, and that perceived objectivity plays the smallest role of all factors considered. We find some indications that knowledge asymmetries are associated with more expert authority. Still, and robust to various alternative specifications, the perception that international bureaucracies are effectively addressing global challenges is the most important factor.

scholarly journals COVID-19 European regional tracker

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asjad Naqvi
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
National Level ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Raw Data ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Level Data ◽  
Administrative Units ◽  
European Regional

ABSTRACTThis Tracker presents data on daily COVID-19 cases at the sub-national level for 26 European countries from January 2020 till present. Country-level data sources are identified and processed to form a homogenized panel at the NUTS 3 or NUTS 2 level, the two lowest standardized administrative units of Europe. The strengths and weaknesses of each country dataset are discussed in detail. The raw data, spatial layers, the code, and the final homogenized files are provided in an online repository for replication. The data highlights the spatial distribution of cases both within and across countries that can be utilized for a disaggregated analysis on the impacts of the pandemic. The Tracker is updated monthly to expand its coverage.

scholarly journals Lifecycle management of insecticides used for disease vector control: a global survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henk van den Berg ◽  
Haroldo Sergio da Silva Bezerra ◽  
Emmanuel Chanda ◽  
Samira Al-Eryani ◽  
Bhupender Nath Nagpal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vector Control ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Worker Safety ◽  
External Support ◽  
Vector Borne Diseases ◽  
Global Survey ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Lifecycle Management

Abstract Background: Vector control plays a critical role in the prevention, control and elimination of vector-borne diseases, and interventions of vector control continue to depend largely on the action of chemical insecticides. A global survey was conducted on the lifecycle management practices of vector control insecticides at country level to identify gaps to inform future strategies to improve efficacy of interventions and reduce the side effects of chemicals used on health and the environment.Methods: A survey by questionnaire was disseminated among all WHO Member States on the lifecycle management practices of vector control insecticides at country level. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.Results: Responses were received from 94 countries, indicating a response rate of 48%. Capacity for insecticide resistance monitoring has been established in part of the countries, often with external support; however, this capacity was lacking from other countries. Procurement of vector control insecticides was often taking place at decentralized levels, over which the central authorities lacked control, for example, to select the product or assure quality of the product. Moreover, some countries experienced problems with estimating the correct amounts for procurement, especially for emergency purposes. Countries across regions showed shortcomings in worker safety, pesticide storage practices, and pesticide waste disposal. Shortcomings were most pronounced in countries of the European & Others Group, most of which have long been relatively free from mosquito-borne diseases but have recently faced challenges of re-emerging vector-borne diseases.Conclusions: Critical shortcomings in the management of vector control insecticides are common in countries across regions, with risks of adverse pesticide effects on health and the environment. Advocacy and resource mobilization are needed at regional and country level to address these challenges.

scholarly journals The Regional Role of the Eurasian Development Bank in the Post-Coronavirus World

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 22-32
Author(s):  
A. V. Kuznetsov
Keyword(s):  
Financial Policy ◽  
Payment Systems ◽  
Member States ◽  
Scientific Methods ◽  
Technology Markets ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Dialectical Approach ◽  
The Us ◽  
The Impact

Until now, the processes of global regionalisation have not been adequately reflected in the formation of systemic approaches to the management of financial relations within the Eurasian Economic Union. It leads to the search for new financial policy mechanisms necessary to stimulate the economies of the EAEU countries in the context of emerging economic and geopolitical constraints, as well as the creation of the necessary prerequisites for industrial cooperation in the context of anti-Russian sanctions and de-globalisation trends intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, the vulnerability of the economies of the EAEU member states is due to their extreme dependence on external extra-regional demand, international capital and technology markets, as well as international settlement and payment systems based on the US dollar. The study is based on a dialectical approach. In conducting the research, we used general scientific methods of analysis, synthesis, generalisation, as well as methods of systemic, historical-logical and comparative analysis. The contradictory nature of the development of the world economy at the present stage was revealed. The role of the EDB in creating conditions for sustainable development of the EAEU member states has been substantiated. Changes in the structure of the EDB’s investment portfolio were analysed. The advantages and disadvantages of the EDB’s current activities in the context of the implementation of the Bank’s Strategy for 2018–2020 were summarised. Comparative characteristics of financing of EDB member countries through multilateral development banks were presented. The impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic on the current and future activities of the EDB was shown.

UNESCO: Between Sectoral Fragmentation and Budget Crisis

2019 ◽  
pp. 164-179
Author(s):  
Ronny Patz ◽  
Klaus H. Goetz
Keyword(s):  
Financial Crisis ◽  
Member States ◽  
The Core ◽  
Vertical Fragmentation ◽  
Cutback Management ◽  
The Us ◽  
Budget Crisis ◽  
International Bureaucracies ◽  
Formal Rules

Chapter 7 examines the case of UNESCO and the effects of the sectoral and vertical fragmentation of the organization. The case is particularly pertinent since the US stopped its contributions after Palestine was admitted as a member in 2011, resulting in a major financial crisis for the organization. Despite the need for rigorous cutback management, budgeting procedures and budgeting administration have remained highly routinized. While this highlights the important procedural role of international bureaucrats and their ability to ensure the continued functioning of IOs, these solutions also show the limits to the substantive influence of international bureaucracies in budgeting. In essence, UNESCO remains an organization that is highly fragmented along policy lines, horizontally and vertically, and both among member states as well as inside its own bureaucracy. This results in budgetary segmentation and increased proceduralization well beyond the core budgeting stages regulated by formal rules.

Building a European Legitimacy Index

2017 ◽  
Vol 61 (5) ◽  
pp. 509-525 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alicia Blanco-González ◽  
Camilo Prado-Román ◽  
Francisco Díez-Martín
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Political Institutions ◽  
Union Member ◽  
Political Stability ◽  
European Social Survey ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Member States ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Changes Over Time ◽  
European Union Member States

This article outlines an approach to building a country-level legitimacy index designed specifically for European Union member states. The index allows intercountry as well as longitudinal comparisons. Changes over time reflect varying levels of confidence in the political system and may serve as leading indicators for differences in the economic, social, and political stability of member states. Source data for the index are derived from the European Social Survey, taken between 2002 and 2012 in 35 countries. The index is built around three dimensions (legality, justification, and consent). Results from the index vary among member states but, overall, show a tendency toward diminishing legitimacy. Citizens trust their police forces and laws, but are dissatisfied with institutions and the economy. Moreover, they feel increasing distance from their leaders, their representative bodies, and the effectiveness of political institutions. These trends highlight the need for public–private efforts to increase the legitimacy of European Union member states.

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