Compliance of the Baltic States with the Principle of Tolerance as Condition for the Development of the United Europe

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nataliya Khoma ◽  
Oleksii Oleksii Kokoriev
Keyword(s):  
Liberal Democracy ◽  
Hate Speech ◽  
Democratic Values ◽  
Baltic States ◽  
Social Phobias ◽  
Institutional Level ◽  
Baltic Countries ◽  
Liberal Democratic ◽  
The Baltic ◽  
The Eu

The article studies the compliance of democracy of the Baltic States with the principle of tolerance. The study demonstrated specific social phobias (xenophobia, migrant phobia, homophobia, islamophobia, romaphobia, etc.), hate speech and other destructive trends in the Baltic countries that contradict values of liberal democracy. The authors argue that Baltic States face similar challenges of strengthening the principle of tolerance as well as how they differ in intolerance manifestations and mechanisms of their prevention and counteraction. In the Baltic States, issues related to promotion of tolerance are claimed to be common at two levels: at the institutional level (countries do not fulfil some of the EU guidelines aimed at enhancing the principle of tolerance); at the value level (population does not accept completely liberal-democratic values that the EU advocates).

scholarly journals EU Policy on Deepening Liberal Democracy: A Case Study of the Baltic States

2021 ◽  
pp. 89-105
Author(s):  
Nataliia Khoma ◽  
Ihor Vdovychyn
Keyword(s):  
Liberal Democracy ◽  
Baltic States ◽  
Quality Of Democracy ◽  
Member States ◽  
Liberal Democratic ◽  
European Democracy ◽  
The Baltic ◽  
Democratic Transformation ◽  
The Eu

The issues of the EU’s activities concerning the quality of democracy in member states are studied. On the examples of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, the effectiveness of EU projects to continue the liberal-democratic transformation in member states with a post-totalitarian past where the risk of regression of democracy remains, is assessed. The current goals of the EU are described as being insufficient in terms of properly preventing and counteracting the decline of the quality of democracy, as well as for inculcating the values of liberal democracy. The need to intensify the EU’s activities in the direction of monitoring the observance of democratic standards is explained by the stagnation/regression of the quality of democracy in the countries of the recent EU enlargements, including the Baltic States. The actions of the EU’s institutions towards member states, where democracy shows stagnation/regression, are assessed as inconsistent, due to the possible consequences of this destructive process. The EU’s lack of attention to strengthening the values on which the EU is based is emphasized, which is seen as the main reason for the present deterioration in the quality of democracy. The requirement to construct a new format of European democracy and new mechanisms to ensure its quality is highlighted.

The Baltic States in the European Union: Main Characteristics of Membership and Their Anti-Russian Orientation

2021 ◽  
pp. 64
Author(s):  
Vladimir Olenchenko
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Baltic States ◽  
Baltic Countries ◽  
Bilateral Relations ◽  
Eu Membership ◽  
Current State ◽  
Contractual Obligations ◽  
The Baltic ◽  
The Eu

In 2019, the Baltic states passed the 15-year mark of membership in the European Union. This anniversary was not celebrated in the Baltic states or in the EU and did not attract attention of other countries. After the collapse of the USSR in 1991, the Baltic states chose not to join the CIS, but to join the EU. For Russia, the Baltic states are immediate geographical neighbours, which generate conflict in bilateral relations. The purpose of the study is to examine how the Baltic states' membership in the EU affected the main characteristics of their development and to what extent anti-Russian orientation of the Baltic foreign policy is due to EU membership. Achievement of this goal is seen through the solution of two tasks. The first is to study the current state of the Baltic economies. The second is to analyze the Baltic states conflict in relations with Russia within the EU. For the study, the method of comparing the statistical data of the EU for 2004-2019 was used in relation to the Baltic countries, as well as a comparison of the contractual obligations of relations between Russia and the EU with the practice of the Baltic countries. The results of the study show that the Baltic economies, despite long enough EU membership, remain subsidized. Conflict between the Baltic states and Russia does not directly come from the legal basis of their membership in the EU but is mostly due to several other external factors.

scholarly journals Converging or diverging trajectories of mortality under one year of age in the Baltic States: a comparison with the European Union

2021 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Genowska ◽  
Birute Strukcinskiene ◽  
Anita Villerusa ◽  
Jerzy Konstantynowicz
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Infant Mortality ◽  
Health Expenditure ◽  
Fetal Mortality ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Baltic States ◽  
Macroeconomic Factors ◽  
Baltic Countries ◽  
The Baltic ◽  
The Eu

Abstract Background Information about trends in perinatal and child health inequalities is scarce, especially in the Eastern Europe. We analyzed how mortality under 1 year of age has been changing in the Baltic States and the European Union (EU) over 25 years, and what associations occurred between changes in macroeconomic factors and mortality. Methods Data on fetal, neonatal, infant mortality, and macroeconomic factors were extracted from WHO database. Joinpoint regression analysis was performed to analyze time trajectories of mortality over 1990–2014. We also investigated how the changes in health expenditures and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contributed to the changes in mortality. Results The reduction of fetal, neonatal and infant mortality in the Baltic countries led to convergence with the EU. In Estonia this process was the fastest, and then the rates tended to diverge. The strongest effect in reduction of neonatal mortality was related to the annual increase in health expenditure and GDP which had occurred in the same year, and a decrease in fetal mortality associated with an increase in health expenditure and GDP in the 4th and 5th year, respectively, following the initial change. Conclusions These findings outlined convergences and divergences in mortality under 1 year of age in the Baltic States compared with the patterns of the EU. Our data highlighted a need to define health policy directions aimed at the implementation of effective intervention modalities addressing reduction of risks in prenatal and early life.

scholarly journals Analysis of the European integration process Baltic countries: experience for Ukraine

2020 ◽  
pp. 22-27
Author(s):  
Yu. Masyk
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
European Integration ◽  
Strong Impact ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Integration Process ◽  
Baltic States ◽  
Member States ◽  
Baltic Countries ◽  
The Baltic ◽  
The Eu

The article analyzes the peculiarities of the integration of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia into the European Union. The stages are highlighted, the principles and mechanisms of the European integration policy of the Baltic States are clarified. The problems of Ukraine's adaptation to the requirements of the European Union, in particular the conditions of the Copenhagen criteria, ways to use the relevant experience of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia are revealed. Recommendations for further rapprochement of Ukraine with the EU are considered. The accession of dozens of new countries to the EU in May 2004 marked a qualitatively new stage in the integration process both in Europe and in the world. As a result of the largest enlargement of the European Union, the state of the economy in the old member states has changed significantly, but rather it has had decisive consequences in all areas of the economy for the new member states. Analysis of the positive and negative phenomena that accompanied the enlargement of the EU is important for countries that have or are considering joining the EU in the future, in the formation of long-term economic policy and deciding on the directions of their integration. The closest to Ukraine in terms of development in the EU are the countries of Central Europe and the Baltics, so their experience will be useful for our country. Integration with the European Union was less difficult for the three Baltic states than for many other accessing countries, due to their strong social impetus to join Western political, economic and legal culture after they regained their independence from the Soviet Union in 1990. However, the accession of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania had several distinctive features related to constitutional origin and institutions, which had a strong impact on the resolution of problems between the government and the EU institutions. The path taken by the Baltic countries upon accession to the EU was difficult and their role in the EU was not easy. Today, the EU-related agenda requires more skills than ever before in finding allies and choosing partners.

Growth-promoting reforms in Estonia will take time

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Productivity Growth ◽  
Baltic States ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Baltic Countries ◽  
Labour Costs ◽  
Catch Up ◽  
Growth Promoting ◽  
Per Capita ◽  
The Baltic ◽  
The Eu

Subject Recent sluggish growth rates in Estonia. Significance Estonia has traditionally been the wealthiest of the three Baltic countries, but now Lithuania has caught up with it in terms of per capita GDP. The Estonian economy has grown more slowly than those of the other two Baltic states, in particular because of lacklustre productivity growth. Impacts Despite continuing emigration, the Latvian and Lithuanian economies are forecast to grow more vigorously than Estonia's in the coming years. Unit labour costs will continue to rise in Estonia, as wage growth exceeds productivity growth. Slower growth in the Baltic states will still exceed the EU average, allowing catch-up with more affluent countries. Firms and households may have learned their lesson regarding very rapid debt growth, judging by the Baltics' very small external imbalances.

scholarly journals Tolerance vs intolerance: Latvia's case as an expression of value and institutional ambivalence

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (27) ◽  
pp. 126-134
Author(s):  
Oleksii Kokoriev ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Hate Speech ◽  
Legal Culture ◽  
Political Life ◽  
The Political ◽  
High Tolerance ◽  
Public Rhetoric ◽  
Baltic Countries ◽  
The Baltic ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Eu

The article examines Latvia's compliance with the EU's institutional and value strategy for promoting the principle of tolerance. The main manifestations of intolerance in the social and political life of Latvia as a "young" democracy are investigated. The legal gaps, the peculiarities of the political and legal culture of the population and other factors that cause intolerance in Latvia, despite this country's 2004 membership in the EU, have been emphasized. Institutional reforms aimed at strengthening the value of tolerance and preventing destructive intolerant practices are analysed. Providing tolerance for Latvia is called a challenge for this country. It was stressed that countering intolerance remains an important component of the country's still unfinished post- socialist democratization. Attention is paid to maintaining a high percentage of non-citizens in the population structure of Latvia. It is emphasized that in Latvia there is the highest level of sexual minority intolerance in the Baltic countries group, especially the expressed intolerance towards transgender and intersex people. It is noted that the legislation of Latvia is not yet fully consistent with the European Commission's General Policy Recommendation against Racism and Intolerance No. 7 in the fight against racism and racial discrimination. Attention is drawn to the lack of special services in law enforcement agencies to assist victims of hate speech. It has been stated that there is a lack of promotion of counter-speech in response to racist, homo- / transphobic hate speech on the part of high-ranking officials and public activists. This contributes to the fact that those who resort to hate speech do not feel public condemnation and increase their destructive presence in Latvia. Attention was drawn to the problem of preserving the marginalization of Roma, especially in the area of employment, provision of public health and education services. The article states that there are manifestations of anti-Semitism in Latvia, especially in Internet discourse. It is noted that despite the small number of refugees received in recent years by Latvia, there is a high level of intolerance of asylum seekers. At the same time, public opinion is often formed precisely because of the destructive public rhetoric of Latvian politicians. The general problem of Latvia is the high tolerance for violence in general – at home, at school, against certain social groups, etc. It is indicated that in this country there is a high tolerance for various destructive unlawful practices, such as involvement in the shadow economy, the purchase of smuggled goods, and so on. The author of the article argues that the reasons for the mentioned problems of Latvia are not least in the plane of the political and legal culture of the Latvians, in which the intolerance to diversity and the neoliberal-democratic values, on which the EU is oriented, are still quite strong.

scholarly journals SUSTAINABILITY AND DIGITALIZATION: DOUBLE STRATEGY GUIDELINES IN NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

2020 ◽  
pp. 42-56
Author(s):  
Eugene Eteris
Keyword(s):  
National Development ◽  
Economic Governance ◽  
Baltic States ◽  
Progressive Development ◽  
Baltic Countries ◽  
European Institutions ◽  
Smart Specialisation ◽  
To Come ◽  
The Baltic ◽  
The Eu

The article’s aim is to show the development of global and European actions in sustainability and digitalisation, which provide a background in the Baltic States’ efforts to streamline their economic governance according to modern challenges. The research focuses on revealing the essence of the European institutions’ activity in transforming the Baltic States’ economic growth towards more sustainable and digital policies. Therefore, the research methods include mainly, though not exclusively, the European Commission’s recommendations and actions concerning sustainability and digital agenda/economy in the Baltic States, for example, through analysis of these states’ “smart specialisation strategies” and their efficiency. Several Baltic States have already adopted sustainability and digital agenda plans and strategies. These aspects of modern growth are going to define the EU states and the Baltic countries progressive development in the years to come. Finally, the paper formulates some conclusions and recommendations, both theoretical and practical, in the Baltic States’ adaptations to new sustainability and digital paradigm in the countries’ perspective growth.

scholarly journals Assessment of the Unemployment Situation of Vulnerable Groups in the Labour Market of the Baltic States

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
pp. 8-25
Author(s):  
Laima Okunevičiūtė-Neverauskienė ◽  
Arūnas Pocius ◽  
Sandra Krutulienė
Keyword(s):  
Labour Market ◽  
Unemployment Rate ◽  
Global Financial Crisis ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Baltic States ◽  
Target Groups ◽  
Baltic Countries ◽  
The Baltic ◽  
The Eu

The study analyses the unemployment situation of socially vulnerable groups in the Baltic States in the context of the European Union. The analysis of the unemployment rate is based on gender, age and duration of unemployment. Statistical analysis identified the most vulnerable groups in the labour market and those most sensitive to economics fluctuations. The study also evaluated the relationship of economic growth with employment of these groups. The research highlighted that in the Baltic countries, the global financial crisis more significantly affected vulnerable groups, mainly because of the impact of the crisis in 2009–2010. Hence these results differ from the general trend in unemployment rate of the target groups in the countries of the European Union. Unemployment rate at the EU level did not coincide with similar trends observed in the target groups in the Baltic States. In the Baltic States, the unemployment rate of the target groups started to grow earlier and faster than in the EU countries and it started to decrease much earlier than the EU unemployment rate indicators. In addition, in the Baltic countries, the growth of target group unemployment was significantly higher than the EU average. The fast and volatile growth of unemployment within the mentioned target groups shows that they had difficulties adapting to dramatically worsening conditions in the labour market in the Baltic States. The current pandemic situation in comparison to the global financial crisis of 2009–2010 has a less negative effect. The study revealed that unemployment rates in the Baltic States were close to the EU average. The research results also showed that men and the youth are sensitive to economic fluctuations in the Baltic States. On the one hand, unemployed men and the youth tend to more easily enter the labour market during economic upturns. On the other hand, in an economic downturn, these jobseekers face significant integration difficulties into the labour market and become more socially vulnerable. It is important to note that long-term unemployed people belong to the most vulnerable groups. People with low skills or qualifications face multiple barriers to labour market integration. Long-term unemployment leads to a loss of income, an erosion of skills, a higher incidence of health problems and increased household poverty.

scholarly journals Multidimensional poverty in the Baltic States in the EU context: theoretical and practical aspects

Baltic Region ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 72-88
Author(s):  
V.V. Voronov ◽  
O.P. Ruza ◽  
J. Stasane
Keyword(s):  
Social Services ◽  
National Level ◽  
Multidimensional Poverty ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Income Dynamics ◽  
Baltic States ◽  
Baltic Countries ◽  
The Baltic ◽  
New Research ◽  
The Eu

There are several approaches to assessing poverty, namely, the absolute, relative, and subjective ones. They are widely used in studying income dynamics and differentiation at a national level. Yet a new research approach to the study and assessment of ‘multidimensional’ poverty is gaining popularity in developed states. Central to it is the notion of ‘risk of poverty and/or social exclusion’ (AROPE). This approach measures both income level and such non-monetary component as access to social services. Despite the versatility and severity of multidimensional poverty in some European countries, this phenomenon has not been sufficiently explored in socio-economic studies carried out in the Baltic countries of the EU — Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. This article aims to identify the characteristics of multidimensional poverty in the Baltic countries and the EU. Its objective is to examine the spread of multidimensional poverty in the Baltic countries and compare it to the situation on a European scale. The work uses Eurostat data. Various indicators suggest that the risk of multidimensional poverty in the Baltic States is above the EU average.

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