scholarly journals The implementation of EU environmental policy: Why the scope conditions have improved?

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Alexander Burgin
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Environmental Policy ◽  
Implementation Process ◽  
Access To Justice ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Implementation Capacity ◽  
Software Programs ◽  
Access To Data

Implementation gaps of European Union (EU) environmental policy are explained, inter alia, by shortcomings in knowledge, a lack of administrative capacities and weak enforcement practices. However, this article presents evidence that the scope conditions have improved, based on document analysis and semi-structured interviews with actors involved in the implementation process. Four main factors are considered. First, the Commission’s monitoring capacities benefit from an improved access to data sources other than those provided by the member states, and from a reduced legislative agenda, allowing for a more intense focus on implementation. Second, subnational actors have improved their implementation capacity through knowledge transfers and strategic planning, facilitated by improved statistical data. Third, inspection networks benefitted from technical advances, such as the access to satellite images, presenting new opportunities for the detection of environmental crimes, and new software programs facilitating risk-based inspections. Finally, citizens’ and non-governmental organizations’ improved access to justice in environmental matters contributes to a stricter enforcement of EU law.   Keywords: networks; European Union; software programs

scholarly journals Lobbying Makes (Strange) Bedfellows: Explaining the Formation and Composition of Lobbying Coalitions in EU Legislative Politics

2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (4) ◽  
pp. 959-984 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Beyers ◽  
Iskander De Bruycker
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Interest Groups ◽  
European Commission ◽  
Coalition Formation ◽  
Legislative Politics ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Business Interests ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Interest Organizations

This article analyzes the formation of lobbying coalitions in European Union legislative politics. Specifically, we investigate whether interest organizations establish coalitions and under which conditions business interests and non-business interests join a coalition. Our explanatory framework emphasizes three factors that drive coalition formation: the influence-seeking needs of interest groups, the need to ensure organizational maintenance, and policy-related contextual factors. To test our hypotheses, we analyze 72 policies initiated by the European Commission between 2008 and 2010 and 143 semi-structured interviews with representatives of European interest organizations. Our results demonstrate that non-governmental organizations that depend relatively less on membership support are strongly inclined to engage in coalitions. Moreover, the heterogeneous coalitions we identified—consisting of both business and non-business interests—are usually situated in policy areas that enjoy considerable salience among the broader public and emerge on issues that receive substantial media visibility.

THE ROLE OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS (NGOs) AS INTERMEDIARIES OF THE EUROPEAN UNION DECISION TO ADOPT INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS: 1973–2002

2016 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 59-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Devrimi Kaya ◽  
Robert J. Kirsch ◽  
Klaus Henselmann
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
International Accounting ◽  
International Accounting Standards ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Many

This paper analyzes the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as intermediaries in encouraging the European Union (EU) to adopt International Accounting Standards (IAS). Our analysis begins with the 1973 founding of the International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC), and ends with 2002 when the binding EU regulation was approved. We document the many pathways of interaction between European supranational, governmental bodies and the IASC/IASB, as well as important regional NGOs, such as the Union Européenne des Experts Comptables, Économiques et Financiers (UEC), the Groupe d'Etudes des Experts Comptables de la Communauté Économique Européenne (Groupe d'Etudes), and their successor, the Fédération des Experts Comptables Européens (FEE). This study investigates, through personal interviews of key individuals involved in making the history of the organizations studied, and an extensive set of primary sources, how NGOs filled key roles in the process of harmonization of international accounting standards.

scholarly journals Public health risk factors at music festivals: “Be Safe Lab” initiative

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Beržanskytė
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Harm Reduction ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Medical Knowledge ◽  
Integrated Services ◽  
Unprotected Sex ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Music Festivals ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations

Abstract Background At large public events such as music festivals there is an increased exposure to the risk factors as alcohol, tobacco and narcotics, unprotected sex, trauma and violence. Non-governmental organizations engage in prevention and support activities at such events. An initiative “Be Safe Lab” has developed in Lithuania to reduce the likelihood of adverse events due to harmful behavior at public festivals. Study Aim To investigate the experience of operating the “Be Safe Lab” initiative at Lithuanian music festivals. Methods In this qualitative study the data were collected from five “Be Safe Lab” volunteer staff using semi-structured interviews lasting in average of 50 minutes. The main guidelines were prepared and informants were asked to tell in general about the initiative, motives and reasons to develop the initiative, its goals and tasks, the questions that visitors apply to them, challenges and obstacles, personal experience in the initiative. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis according to Braun and Clarke (2013). Results The analysis revealed 6 main themes: principles of the initiative, variety of services, substance use harm reduction, changes of volunteers' perspectives, the role of teamwork, and initiative challenges. Conclusions The initiative has a number of strengths and challenges. Integrated services are provided not just to drug users, but also to other festival visitors who seek help or advice. The volunteer staff must have special skills, competencies and medical knowledge. The harm reduction measures for drugs and psychoactive substances used in the initiative are believed to be effective and attract music festival visitors. Initiative volunteers benefit both personally and professionally from providing services. However, further success of the initiative requires additional financial support, training, and collaboration with institutions providing emergency medical services at music festivals. Key messages Integrated services are provided to any festival visitor who seek help from “Be Safe Lab” specialists. The initiative volunteers benefit both personally and professionally from providing services.

scholarly journals Disaster response and recovery in two informal settlements: A local government perspective

2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 606-621 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bethuel Sibongiseni Ngcamu ◽  
Malcolm Alan Henworth Wallis
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Informal Settlements ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Government Officials ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Response And Recovery ◽  
The Impact

Informal settlements in urban areas have long been afflicted by disasters and exposed to exploitation by politicians, shacklords, academics, journalists, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), tavern owners and government officials. This problem is caused to some degree by limited land for expansion which has resulted in the creation of highly densified and unplanned, irregular settlements using poor, combustible building materials. The purpose of the article is to investigate whether eThekwini Municipality’s strategies are sufficient to respond to and recover from the impact of disasters. The research was undertaken at the Foreman and Kennedy Road informal settlements located in Clare Estate, under Ward 25, in Durban within eThekwini Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal (refer to Annexure 1). These areas are very important politically as they are densily populated and highly contested between political parties and local resistant’s organizations such as Abahlali baseMjondolo. Questionnaires were self-administered to a sample size of 220 of which 140 respondents completed the questionnaires, thereby generating a response rate of 63.6%. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with municipal officials. The findings indicate that 44.3% of the victims of disasters received assistance from NGOs and regard civil society as playing an important role after disasters compared to 7.1% of the responding municipal officials.

scholarly journals Conservation narratives and conflicts over protected areas in post-socialist Romania

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-104
Author(s):  
Marie Louise Aastrup
Keyword(s):  
Political Ecology ◽  
Protected Areas ◽  
National Park ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Local Decision ◽  
Post Communism

Environmental protection is never a controversy-free endeavor. Conflicts arise over land ownership, use, and access. Political ecologists have paid extensive attention to protected areas, especially in relation to power, rights, and marginalized peoples. This article draws on political ecology to examine a new proposed national park in the context of post-communism and neoliberalization in Romania. Using mixed-methods (semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and participant observation), this research investigates conservation narratives as articulated by different actors (environmental non-governmental organizations, local decision-makers, and local community members) with various levels of involvement in the proposed national park. Three chief narratives can be observed pertaining to tourism, restrictions, and deforestation. These narratives are embedded in the history and socio-economic context of the area, but also reveal the agendas of different actors regarding landscape values. Assessing these narratives, this research reveals how actors position themselves and the points of contention among the different actors in the brewing conflict that the national park represents.Keywords: Political ecology, conservation, conflict, power

Positive effects of earthquake from the perspective of people with physical disability in Iran

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahrzad Pakjouei ◽  
Aidin Aryankhesal ◽  
Mohammad Kamali ◽  
Hesam Seyedin ◽  
Mohammad Heidari
Keyword(s):  
Physical Disability ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Knowledge Enhancement

Purpose Earthquake usually causes death, injury, disability and destruction of buildings and infrastructure, and people with disabilities are usually affected more than healthy people. As undesirable experiences may also have positive outcomes, this study aims to investigate the experiences of PWD and identify the positive effects of earthquakes on them in Iran, as an earthquake-prone country. Design/methodology/approach In this qualitative study, 20 participants were selected purposively among those having physical disability, aged 23-55 years and with experience of an earthquake. Their opinions were collected using semi-structured interviews. Analysis was performed using thematic approach and MAXQDA software was used to organize the data. Findings The positive effects of earthquake were categorized into five main themes: promotion of preparedness, knowledge enhancement, improvement of structures, socio-economic improvement (economic situation enhancement and social cohesion promotion) and outstanding role of national and international non-governmental organizations. Originality/value Although disasters are generally unpleasant, in the long term, they can result in positive effects and may be considered as opportunities to improve the situation and eliminate certain limitations. It is also important to learn from experiences of people with disabilities and apply the lessons learned, for enhancing preparedness and providing better services in the response phase of disaster management. Additionally, paying attention to the positive attitudes of such people, with special conditions and limitations, indicates their enhanced resilience to cope with disasters and emergencies, including COVID-19, which should be taken into consideration by policymakers and planners in future programs.

scholarly journals Information brokerage in Caribbean coral reef governance networks

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 284-294
Author(s):  
Rachel A Turner ◽  
Johanna Forster ◽  
Angelie M Peterson ◽  
Robin Mahon ◽  
Clare Fitzsimmons
Keyword(s):  
Coral Reef ◽  
Environmental Governance ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Reef Management ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Governance Networks ◽  
Caribbean Coral Reef

SummaryPoor connectivity between diverse resource users and complex wider governance networks is a challenge in environmental governance. Organizations that ‘broker’ interactions among these relationships are expected to improve governance outcomes. Here, we used semi-structured interviews and social network analysis to identify actors in positions to broker coral reef-related information to and from resource users and to assess the performance of these brokers. Representatives (n = 262) of actor groups were interviewed, including local and national government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community organizations and resource user groups from 12 communities across four Caribbean countries, to map information-sharing networks and to identify brokers. Broker performance was assessed through separate interviews with coral reef resource users (n = 545). The findings show that marine NGOs were the highest-functioning brokers. Where such local-level organizations were absent, government agencies in reef management roles acted as brokers, but their performance was lower. Actors in brokerage positions did not always effectively share information, with broker performance being positively correlated with network brokerage scores. The results further our understanding of the roles of brokers in different governance contexts. Identifying those in brokerage positions and supporting their roles in connecting local resource users to wider governance networks could encourage functional brokerage and enhance reef management outcomes.

Partnerships with the police – logics and strategies of justification

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bertil Rolandsson
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Public Services ◽  
Organizational Legitimacy ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Cost Efficient ◽  
Empirical Material

Purpose – Political reforms call for new types of public-private or community partnerships, in which public services are shaped in collaboration with networks of public, business or non-governmental organizations. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how municipal partners justify and thereby maintain partnerships with the police. Design/methodology/approach – The empirical material comprises documents and 26 semi-structured interviews with civil servants, politicians, and police staff. This qualitative study investigates three Swedish municipalities engaged in partnerships with the same police authority. Findings – Based on Boltanski and Thévenot’s order of worth, the paper describes how municipal partners manage two partly contradictory arrangements; one constituted by industrial and civic logics, and one constituted by domestic and industrial logics. Guided by these two different arrangements, they justify and thereby maintain their partnership with the police by alternating between a compromising strategy promoting adaptation to the police and a compensating strategy stating that they are independent partners with demands on the police. Research limitations/implications – This is a qualitative study that needs further confirmation before general conclusions can be drawn. Still, it suggests that partners justify themselves by making claims on being both collaborative and independent within these partnerships. Originality/value – Unlike research investigating how authorities initiate partnerships to organize integrated and cost-efficient public services, the paper highlights how partners justify their participation by alternating between two rather different but linked justifying strategies. The study applies a justificatory logic perspective that helps us understand that complex and sometimes contradictory arrangements of logics, which could threaten partner participation, also enable them to justify and thereby maintain their partnership with the police. Unlike institutional studies describing how tensions challenge organizational legitimacy this study describes how justificatory strains remain even when partners are able to justify their participation.

scholarly journals Saving Water while Doing Business: Corporate Agenda-Setting and Water Sustainability

Water ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Kemper ◽  
Lena Partzsch
Keyword(s):  
Fair Trade ◽  
Water Policy ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Water Sustainability ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Multi Stakeholder ◽  
Water Problems

Organic and fair trade campaigns bring water sustainability onto public agendas, such as for example in the cotton/textile sector. Armedangels, a German company, advertises its t-shirts by arguing that their production requires only 1/10th of the water required in conventional production. This article studies the ambitions of such corporate agenda-setters. Methodologically, we develop a framework that contains six criteria and nine indicators, which allow us to code and assess the certification standards. In addition, we conducted semi-structured interviews, group discussions, and participatory observations in order to better understand whose agendas certification is promulgating. The criteria encompass the social and environmental dimensions of water sustainability. Our cases include Naturland (a private organic standard), the European Union (EU) Organic Regulation (a public organic standard), the Fairtrade Labeling Organization (FLO) (a fair trade initiative), and the Fair for Life (FFL) standard (an organic and fair trade standard). Our study also looks at the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) and Cotton made in Africa (CmiA), which are two multi-stakeholder initiatives that operate on the conventional market in cooperation with non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The findings demonstrate that organic and fair trade companies rightly present themselves as water policy entrepreneurs. However, crucial aspects of water sustainability remain hidden. In particular, there is a cleavage between the environmental agendas of organic movements and NGOs that are represented in certification and the urgent social water problems in the Global South.

Governance of biodiversity in Poland before and after the accession to the EU: the tale of two roads

2012 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 108-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
KRZYSZTOF NIEDZIAŁKOWSKI ◽  
JOUNI PAAVOLA ◽  
BOGUMIŁA JĘDRZEJEWSKA
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Environmental Governance ◽  
Natura 2000 ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Governance Arrangement ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Eu

SUMMARYAccession of the Central and Eastern European countries to the European Union involved considerable institutional changes in the field of environmental governance that undermined existing policy practices. Such changes in biodiversity governance are examined through two case studies from Poland concerning road development schemes in ecologically sensitive areas. Documentary material and semi-structured interviews are analysed and interpreted in light of the policy arrangement approach and historical institutionalism. After the EU accession there was a rapid shift from a government-monopolized arrangement towards a multi-level governance arrangement with regard to conflicts between infrastructure and natural areas. Previously, the government controlled practically all aspects of environmental policymaking, despite potential routes for greater involvement of non-state actors. Only the formal rules of Natura 2000 and environmental impact assessment, guarded by a coalition of powerful supranational bodies, non-governmental organizations and scientists, changed the pattern of governmental policy-making. New policy arrangements have increased capacity and legitimacy in the implementation of the European Union rules.

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