Some Comments on the Assessment of the Potential Role of Transit from China through the Baltic States

At present, with the opportunities of the previous model of world economic development exhausted, only countries building alternative models of global cooperation will have good economic prospects. In this conditions the new role of Russia, China is traced. This article examines the experience and prospects of cooperation between Beijing and the Baltic countries, including within the framework of the well-known project “One Belt — One Way”.

THE BALTIC STATES OF THE THREE SEAS INITIATIVE: ESTONIA, LATVIA AND LITHUANIA IN CREATIVE RELATIONS WITH THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

The presented manuscript deals with three Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) that are part of the Three Seas Initiative in the context of cooperation with the United Arab Emirates. The research’s goal is analysis the larger dimension of Three Seas Initiative and its creative role and importance in the international arena, including the Middle East. In this sense, this paper asks a research question of whether the relations between Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and the United Arab Emirates have the potential for deeper and broader creative dynamics of their cooperation. The presented article is the first research work of this type. Thus, it fills a gap in the literature and analyses concerning relations between the Baltic states and the United Arab Emirates. This work is primarily base on empirical research conducted for ten years. In addition, the author used his own creative experience, including as an Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (2011–2015) or Senior advisor at Expo 2020 (2016–2018), responsible for strategies and creative development of relations the United Arab Emirates with all the Three Seas Initiative countries, including Baltic states. As a result of the research, the author argues that Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, as a part of the Three Seas Initiative, should make this concept more creative in its external dimension, with the United Arab Emirates. Expo 2020 (1 October, 2021–31 March, 2022) provides an opportunity for creative diplomacy. This event is an occasion to demonstrate joint projects, also in global aspects.

Impact of the first wave of COVID-19 on the employment of older people in Latvia, the Baltic States and Europe

The study bases on the SHARE Wave 8 COVID-19 Survey conducted in June-August 2020 in 26 European countries and Israel via CATI. The association between health status of older workers and their involvement into labour market in Latvia is the strongest in Europe. In the short term, the first wave of the infection outbreak affected the employment of older population in the Baltic States to much lesser extent than in most of participating countries. The proportion of those workers who experienced unemployment, lay-off or closure of business, as well as changes in the number of working hours was considerably lower than average values. The branches with traditionally high share of older workers (education, healthcare, agriculture, administrative services) were least affected by lockdown measures. Remote work from home in the Baltic States as well as combining work from home with usual work place was lower than the European average. The existing labour legislation in Latvia does not ensure sufficient protection of workers’ rights and health in the situation of remote work.

Assessment of the Reproductive Potential of Ethnic Groups in the Baltic States

In the post-Soviet period, attention is paid to the depopulation problem in the Baltic States, caused by the natural decline and migration outflow. At the same time, there is a change in the amount of certain ethnic groups in the population of these states. The purpose of the study is to assess the prospects for the reproductive potential of ethnic groups in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The study was carried out within ethnic demography, a scientific discipline that has developed at the intersection of demography, ethnography, and anthropology. The article presents the results of forecasting the number of major ethnic groups in the Baltic States for the long term (until 2061) using original methodological tools. In all three Baltic states, against the background of population decline, the share of titular ethnic groups is expected to grow – the highest in Latvia, the less significant in Estonia, and the minimum in Lithuania. The share of Russians (the most significant is in Latvia) and other ethnic groups will continue to decrease due to their low reproductive potential. In general, the tendency of the Baltic countries to move away from the complex ethnic structure of the population in the Soviet period towards mono-ethnicity will continue.

COMPARISON OF VEHICLE REGISTRATION SERVICES IN THE BALTIC STATES

The problem of the study is that Latvian citizens often express dissatisfaction with vehicle registration prices, speculating that these services are available at lower prices in the neighbouring countries – Lithuania and Estonia. The aim of the research: to compare and analyse vehicle registration services in the Baltic States in order to provide suggestions for the improvement of the services. The research uses general scientific research methods: the monographic and descriptive methods, the document analysis method, the comparative analysis method, the horizontal analysis, the ranking method, the logical construction method and the graphical method. Based on the cases analysed, the authors conclude that vehicle registration costs are the lowest in Lithuania, yet these costs may depend on factors such as vehicle age and technical parameters, so not always the cheapest price is reported in Lithuania. Vehicle registration costs in Estonia, regardless of any parameters, for all light vehicles are the same at 192,00 euro. The authors compared and analysed vehicle registration services in the Baltic States, evaluated the price of services and the elements included in them. The study shows that when receiving vehicle registration services in the Baltic States, the conditions and price for receiving them differ. It is mainly influenced by the tax policies and pricing strategies of each country.

PROMOTING FINTECH FINANCING FOR SME IN S. CAUCASIAN AND BALTIC STATES, DURING THE COVID-19 GLOBAL PANDEMIC

Purpose – to analyse the digitalization trends in the Central Caucasian (Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia) and Baltic States with the aim of reducing a financial gap for the Small and Medium size Enterprises in Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia. Research methodology – comparative analysis between Baltic and Caucasian countries are made to analyse the basic positions and farther development opportunities for Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia. Findings of the given paper – while SME sector crucially important contributor to employment, diversification and productivity in any country of the world and especially in developing ones, they still face significant credit constraints through traditional credit providing institutions. However, the trend is changing and modern digital technologies from the fintech area are providing new alternatives, which already had been widely used in Baltic, but still are waiting their chance in Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia, with different level of progress and readiness. Research limitations – some statistical data does not exist for all six countries or were possible to obtain for different periods of time. Lack of academic literature on fintech in Caucasian countries. Practical implications – It can provide a useful perspective for researchers, academics, investors, investment managers, decision-makers, and scientists. Originality/Value – The paper analyses three advanced European Union member state’s (Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia) fintech positions and perspectives as a model of development for three developing Caucasian states (Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia).

Criminal offenses against morality: comparative legal characteristics of the legislation of Ukraine and the Baltic countries

Purpose. While comparing the Criminal Code of Ukraine with the criminal legislation of Baltic States (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia), the goal is to find the best options for further development of the criminal legislation of Ukraine on liability for offenses against morality, taking into consideration current aspirations to radically update the relevant legal framework. Methodology. The comparative method is the key one for the purposes of the research. Critical comparison of the criminal law provisions of the Baltic States and Ukraine on the grounds of liability for offenses against morality has been made with reference to this method. The research also used such methods of academic cognition as: historical-legal, system-structural analysis, formal-logical, modeling. Results. Based on the study of the advantages and disadvantages of the legal framework of the grounds of liability for criminal offenses (crimes and misdemeanors) against morality in accordance with the Criminal Codes of the Baltic States recommendations for optimizing and improving the effectiveness of such rules has been developed, while taking into consideration criminal law reform processes in Ukraine. Scientific novelty. The study has revealed a number of positive and progressive legislative decisions, reflected in the Criminal Codes of the Baltic States on liability for offenses against morality. It makes possible to carry out their potential adoption in the process of further rule-making activities in Ukraine. Practical significance. The conclusions and suggestions formulated in the article can be used in law-making activities to improve criminal law of Ukraine in terms of combating encroachments upon morality, as well as in research and educational process as a basis for further comparative research on liability for offenses against morality in Ukraine and other countries.

Małe państwo a kryzys

This article is dedicated to the attitudes of the Baltic States towards the protests in Belarus in August 2020. The analysis uses the category of a small state. It seems to best characterise the role of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia in international relations. The first part of this article describes the relations of these three countries with Belarus before 2020. Then, the emphasis is put on the instruments and strategies which have been used by the Baltic States towards Belarus since the presidential elections in August 2020. The article discusses the role of a regional, expert, hidden subjectivity using multilateral formats, good services, entrepreneurial and silent diplomacy. In his considerations, the author presents the reactions of the authorities and societies. The article is based on state documents, analyses, politicians’ speeches, press materials and literature on the subject.