Blue Europe

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Pollution in the Western Balkans (Part 1): an overview

Pollution, air quality and, more broadly, responses to climate change pose a challenge to the stability and security of the Balkan region. The environmental fragility of the region combined with critical socio-economic issues make it feared that the energy transition in the Western Balkans will not be a foregone conclusion.…

B.F.G. Fabrègue2023-08-19

Short Analysis

Threats to the Rule of Law in the UK and in Europe

By Lorenza Buttini Lorenza Buttini is a graduate in the master’s degree in law at the University of Pavia with a score of 109/110. Her final dissertation, discussed in December 2022, is about ‘The contrast to the gender pay gap’ in the field of European Comparative Labor Law, with particular…

Guest Author2023-08-09

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The Global Gateway (Part 2): is it failing its objectives?

You can find part 1 here. The European Union's response to China's global trade and infrastructure programmes is now materialising. Europe's major Global Gateway initiatives aim to provide developing nations with an alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative, which projects Beijing's clout along critical trade routes through port improvements,…

Léo Portal2023-07-31

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Croatia and the Euro (Part 2): an assessment shortly after the changeover

You can find Part 1 here. In 2023, Croatia has reached a crucial integration milestone with the EU. After a decade of EU membership, the Balkan nation has joined the Euro and Schengen zones. As the EU Single Market celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, this signifies a dramatic shift…

B.F.G. Fabrègue2023-07-28

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The Global Gateway (Part 1): a European response to the Belt and Road

The Global Gateway is a new European strategy that was introduced by the European Commission and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on December 1, 2021. Its goal is to strengthen global health, education, and research systems while advancing smart, clean, and secure energy, digital, and transportation…

Léo Portal2023-06-30

Country Analysis

Serbia and Jadar lithium mines: will the project resume?

Serbia has gained attention in recent years for its potential lithium resources and the development of lithium projects. Lithium is a key element used in the production of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems, making it a valuable resource in the global transition towards cleaner energy. One…

Léo Portal2023-06-15

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Croatia and the Euro (Part 1): why did the country adopt the common currency?

Despite challenging experiences with the Euro’s governance, particularly during the financial crisis, the rules for joining the monetary union have remained essentially unchanged since their inception, and Croatia has followed the path into the Eurozone as set out in the Maastricht Treaty. Croatia is the 20th country to decide to…

B.F.G. Fabrègue2023-06-03

Short Analysis

The concept of industry 4.0 and its challenges

Main principles of the industry 4.0 As mentioned in previous articles – also centred on the Polish Industrie 4.0, Industry 4.0 is based on the inter-connectivity of an enterprise's machines thanks to digitalisation. This concept relies on four principles: agility, data analysis, automation and interconnexion. Agility The connectivity of the…

Pawel Morisson de la Bassetière2023-05-26

Short Analysis

Can FinTechs become a catalyst for ESG rules in the Polish financial sector?

Thanks to their flexibility and innovation, FinTech companies can help accelerate the spread of ESG principles in everyday life. We are still in the early stages of true FinTech, as the future impact of cloud computing, IoT, artificial intelligence and blockchain cannot even be calculated today. Every year, digital businesses…

Marceli W. Hazla2023-05-19

Country Analysis

Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in Serbia: a review

Despite Russia's invasion of Ukraine, according to Serbia's National Bank, the country's record amount of foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2022 exceeded central bankers' expectations. Aleksandar Vucic, the president of Serbia, praised the "great success in a year of fighting in Ukraine". By showcasing Vucic's close ties to Moscow and…

B.F.G. Fabrègue2023-05-09

Country Analysis

Resource factors of the conflict in Ukraine: what post-war prospects

Introduction The Russian Federation's February 24, 2022 invasion has shaken up the international political order, becoming the most serious conflict in Europe since the '90. It is impossible to clearly identify the causes of the war. On the one hand, it may have to do with Russian imperial ambitions, dating…

Marceli W. Hazla2023-04-28

Country Analysis

The Lithuanian risk of out-of-control inflation: how citizens have to adapt

According to data from the National Social Security Fund of Lithuania, nominal labour income rose by 12.7% year-on-year, but could not keep up with the 20% inflation rate in January-March. The increase in average incomes was due to increases in the minimum wage and raises for civil servants. The income…

Gwendal Combot2023-04-21

Analysis & Research

Pollution in the Western Balkans (Part 1): an overview

Threats to the Rule of Law in the UK and in Europe

The Global Gateway (Part 2): is it failing its objectives?

Croatia and the Euro (Part 2): an assessment shortly after the changeover

The Global Gateway (Part 1): a European response to the Belt and Road

Serbia and Jadar lithium mines: will the project resume?

Croatia and the Euro (Part 1): why did the country adopt the common currency?

The concept of industry 4.0 and its challenges

Can FinTechs become a catalyst for ESG rules in the Polish financial sector?

Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in Serbia: a review

Resource factors of the conflict in Ukraine: what post-war prospects

The Lithuanian risk of out-of-control inflation: how citizens have to adapt

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