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Building upon the need for greater education identified by gynecological cancer survivors and their caregivers, the objective of this paper is to describe our patient-clinician-researcher partnership to develop an evidence- and experiential-based educational resource. We engaged in five phases using multiple research methods: 1) assembling the essential expertise, 2) reviewing the literature, 3) drafting the resource, 4) testing the resource, and 5) disseminating the resource. Our diverse partnership provided expertise toward multiple research methods that produced results useful for each successive phase. This combination – a diverse partnership and multiple research methods - resulted in a useful resource to fulfill a gap identified by knowledge users. The combined features described in our paper fill a procedural gap for clinicians and researchers intending to develop educational resources that are empirically and experientially founded.

The paper obtained during the study was mainly obtained from wheat straw cellulose and Jerusalem artichoke cellulose, which contained chitosan of various concentrations. An increase in the mechanical properties of the obtained papers was observed in samples using the substance chitosan. A 1.0% chitosan was added to the paper, mainly based on various plant celluloses. It should be noted that the obtained paper products were used without bleaching due to the fact that it was recommended to use them for wrapping paper. The youngest results were observed in samples prepared from a composition of wheat straw and artichoke pulp. From the fiber morphology, it was observed that the sized paper fibers became stronger, denser and smoother. Keywords: chytazone, Natural polymers, fibers, cellulose. Biocomposites of chitosan (CS)/cellulose nanocrystals (CN) were prepared by using solution casting method. Influences of solution preparation method and CN content on the properties of composites were investigated. Mechanical stirring/ultrasonication or micro fluidization were used to disperse nanocrystals in the chitosan matrix. The prepared nanocomposites were characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, DSC, TGA, TMA and contact angle measurements.

Abstract: In this article, we will attempt a broad exploration of new literary forms in order to gain an overview of how literary work has taken hold of new digital technologies. We will then attempt to identify the problematic relationship between electronic and digital literature and examine the definitional issues that arise. Finally, we present an overview of the different types of digital poetry, highlighting the relationship of continuity or rupture between traditional and digital literary forms. Keywords: Literature, Digital, Electronics, Hypertextuality, Interactivity

The filter paper bio-templating method has become a promising pathway in the fabrication of MgO with tunned physicochemical features. The filter paper-templated MgO (MgO-FPT) has been subjected to several characterisation analyses, and it has revealed that filter paper templating has demonstrated a positive outcome toward an improvement of physicochemical features, i.e., improved surface reactivity and surface area compared to MgO prepared via direct thermal degradation method of magnesium salt (MgO-CT). As the evidence of the FTIR spectra, the MgO-FPT has demonstrated a surface rich CO2-associated functional group, which indicate the enhanced surface reactivity of the MgO, which increase of the adsorbent affinity toward CO2 (even from atmospheric surrounding). Together with the improved structural features compared to MgO-CT (two-fold high surface area), it has significantly refined the CO2 adsorption uptake capacity to almost 15 times higher than MgO-CT with only 0.247 mmol/g. This shows the potential filter paper bio-templating method for the metal oxide-based adsorbent fabrication for CO2 adsorption application.

A chitosan based coating was prepared where eggshell powder was added. Eggshell is a product that appears in large numbers in everyday life, so it has great potential as waste, which can be used to turn it into a valuable material. Cellulose sheets were made from secondary fiber, and after coated with the chitosan based solution to investigate the properties of the sheets. The results of the treated handsheets were compared with the results of the control sheet. The control sheets were compared with 4 different type of paper: coatings of chitosan with 5wt% and 10wt% eggshell powder, only chitosan coating, and paper where eggshell powder was added to the paper pulp. The use of the eggshell powder as an additive in the coating would be a promising material, because it can improve in a large extent the water resistance and the air barrier properties of the paper.

The Paper industry is an energy-intensive and one of the most energy-consuming industries in Indonesia. In this study, Paper Mill energy sources come from coal and renewable energy such as black liquor as a substitute for coal and on-grid 9MW PV system are reassessed by using optimization software, HOMER. This study aims to present a feasibility study of increasing the use of renewable energy sources in Paper Mill to reduce coal consumption for more sustainability. The software HOMER is used as a tool to determine the most feasible combination of component considered in the study. It is feasible to reduce 10,84% coal consumption kg per year with the optimal renewable energy mix consisting of additional 24MW rooftop PV system and 5,94kW hydrokinetic energy from Kampar River located 6 km from the plant. Renewable fraction increased to 16%. This study result is good for sustainable growth of Paper Mill business that investments in climate and nature to support the Indonesian government in achieving net zero emissions.

In this study, cellulose was extracted from Heliánthus tuberósus (Jerusalem artichoke) stems, and its quality indicators were thoroughly investigated. The isolation process involved the removal of impurities and non-cellulosic components, resulting in a purified cellulose sample suitable for further analysis and application.To explore the potential of Heliánthus tuberósus cellulose, composite paper was produced by incorporating basalt fiber into the cellulose matrix. The resulting paper was subjected to comprehensive testing to evaluate its mechanical properties, with a particular focus on tensile strength and tensile length.The tensile strength of the composite paper was determined using standardized testing methods, providing quantitative data on the material's ability to withstand applied forces without breaking or deforming. Tensile length, on the other hand, refers to the maximum elongation the paper can undergo before rupture occurs. These properties were assessed to gauge the overall performance and suitability of the composite paper for various applications.The obtained results were presented in a clear and concise manner, utilizing tables and graphs to facilitate data interpretation and comparison. Tables allowed for the tabulation of the measured tensile strength and tensile length values, providing a comprehensive overview of the material's mechanical characteristics. Graphs were employed to visualize trends, patterns, and potential correlations between different variables, aiding in a deeper understanding of the composite paper's behavior under various loading conditions.

Abstract. In this study, a composite material was successfully produced by incorporating waste paper and basalt fibers. The utilization of waste paper as a raw material contributes to sustainable practices and waste reduction. The physical and mechanical properties of the obtained composite material were comprehensively investigated to evaluate its potential for various applications.The physical parameters of the composite material, such as density and porosity, were measured to assess its structural characteristics. Density provides insights into the compactness and mass per unit volume of the composite, while porosity indicates the presence of voids or open spaces within the material. These parameters play a crucial role in determining the overall performance and suitability of the composite for specific applications.Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the composite material were examined to evaluate its strength, stiffness, and durability. Tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact resistance were among the key mechanical parameters studied. Tensile strength determines the material's ability to withstand pulling forces, while flexural strength measures its resistance to bending or deformation. Impact resistance evaluates the material's ability to absorb energy when subjected to sudden or dynamic loads.

This review paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of Apis mellifera, commonly referred to as the Western honey bee. The present study aims to examine the genetic diversity, population structure, and evolutionary history of a species of insect that holds economic significance. This study elucidates the genetic determinants that impact the adaptive capacity, behavioral patterns, and overall well-being of honey bees through the examination of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences derived from diverse honey bee populations across the globe. Furthermore, this study examines the potential implications of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) research on various aspects of beekeeping practices, conservation initiatives, and the comprehension of honey bee biology. This paper serves as a significant asset for researchers, beekeepers, and conservationists with a keen interest in exploring the genetic characteristics of Apis mellifera

A worldwide evaluation of the present status of renewable-energy generation, with a focus on photo-voltaic (PV) solar energy for the production of electricity. The most pertinent elements of the development and experiences of nations working to build and use these technologies are covered in this article. It also cites studies that highlight the efforts made by nations to reduce their emissions of green-house gas or to enhance the quality and accessibility of electric energy generation in light of their unique geographic and environmental circumstances. These studies focus in particular on remote communities that have limited access to the national power grid due to technological or financial constraints. This paper focusses on renewable-energy might serve as a starting point for assessing how clean energy affects the world's energy supply and demand, they are becoming an increasingly popular option in terms of cost and efficiency, which can attract new investors. By analysing recent data, case studies, and literature, this review aims to provide stakeholders with insights into the achievements and hurdles of solar energy, fostering informed decisions towards a sustainable and resilient energy future.

Inulin is a source of fiber that can be used as a functional food. Foods that contain inulin can help overcome health problems such as obesity, colon cancer risk, lower blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance. The purpose of this paper is to summarize some research results on inulin content in tubers and their extraction methods. The inulin content in dahlia, gembili, uwi, potato, sweet potato, jicama, onion and garlic tubers are 74%; 15%; 12%; 7%; 13%; 41% and 33%, respectively. Extraction methods used include ethanol:water precipitation, microwave-assisted extraction, hot water extraction and ultrasound. In the future, inulin is expected to contribute to the treatment of digestive-related diseases.

The integration of solarcellsinto construction materials, such roof tiles, isgaining traction. Nevertheless, solarcells' conversion efficiencyistemperature-dependent, and a high temperaturewouldlowerit. This study examines the functionality of mortar roof tilesthat have builtinsolarcells and safety glass. To control the temperature of the solar cells, phase modifying materials (P CM) are added to the first roof tiles at a concentration of 3% by weight.For solar roof tiles, the impact ofPhase change materials on the generation of solar-to-electrical power isassessed, and life cycle costanalysisiscarried out to determine the viabilityfrom an economicstandpoint.During six summerdays, the electricalenergy production of the solartileswith PCM appliedwas 4.1% higherthanthat of the tileswithout the component modification material. In contrast, during six winterdays, the improvementisbetween 2.2 and 4.3%. With the cost of the inverterincluded, the solar roof tileswith Phase change materials have an economicalpaybackperiod of 5.7 years. The application of Phase change materialsraises the initial cost of roof tiles by 1.2% ;nevertheless, the paybackperiodispredicted to bethreemonths shorter thanthat of the equivalentwithout PCM, given an overallimprovement in energy production of 4.1%.Whilemany countries are takingsteps to reducetheiremissions, the IEA’slatest report on global and carbonemissionsshowed an increase of 1.7 percent in emissionsyear-onyear2018 to 33.1 billion tons (IEA, 2019). Australia's 2018 increase in carbondioxideequivalentemissions of 0.7% raisesseriousconcerns about the countrysability to meetitsemissionreductioncommitmentunder the Paris Agreement (Cox, 2019).

Information has been omnipresent and all-powerful for almost two centuries, and now possesses sophisticated and invasive means of imposing itself and creating opinion. It was crucial in the Enlightenment and in the preparation of the French Revolution by the intellectual and bourgeois elites. Its characteristic is to be the opposite of intangible truths, to be moving, malleable and adaptable. It is the new replacing the old. It is bracketed by history, because it ignores tradition and no longer needs the past. The creation of opinion in the 18th century introduced a concept of freedom that in fact conceals totalitarianism. People are told what to think. Information is a weapon against all forms of personal reflection and inner life. It imposes itself and imposes, making it impossible to distance oneself. It even kills the democracy it boasts about.

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(Series Information) European Papers - A Journal on Law and Integration, 2024 9(1), 39-52 | European Forum Insight of 15 April 2024 | (Table of Contents) I. The complexity of the geopolitical matter. - i.1. EU gas policy before 2022. - i.2. The Russian retaliation after the invasion. - II. The measures adopted in response (and their opposers). - ii.1. The first steps: saving gas. - ii.2. Gently steering the market. - ii.3. Joint purchases of gas. - ii.4. Enforcing solidarity. - III. The most debated aspect: what limits to market intervention? - iii.1. Regulation 2022/2578: another round of the price cap debate. - iii.2. A balancing solution? - IV. The effectivity of the measures: the impact assessments and the comments. - iv.1. After the emergency: the situation after one year. - iv.2. The energy community (was) now: was the EU prepared? - iv.3. The legal issues. - iv.4. The return of geopolitics and the future of an open(?) strategic autonomy. | (Abstract) This Insight offers an overview of the EU's evolving energy policy in the face of the energy crisis which followed the Russian illegal invasion of Ukraine, highlighting the critical interplay between legal measures, market dynamics, and geopolitical strategy. In the first section, the Insight will examine the history of the EU policy on gas and its inherent risks, presenting the supply shock which occurred after the invasion February 2022. In the second section, the Insight details the legislative measures adopted under RepowerEU in the field of gas, describing the various approaches such as reducing consumption, ensuring storage, and fostering interstate solidarity, highlighting how the political debates between member states have contributed to shape the Regulations on the matter. In the third section, the Insight also explores the complex dynamics of market interventions, particularly the debated Market Correction Mechanism (MCM) and its implications for EU energy markets. In the final section, the Insight examines the impact of these measures, noting the mixed outcomes highlighted in the EU commissioned reports and presenting the criticism of other stakeholders, highlighting the legal challenges in implementing coordinated energy policies among Member States with diverse interests. Moreover, reflecting on the post-crisis landscape, the Insight advocates for a transition from emergency measures to strategic foresight in energy policy. It argues for the EU's need to balance national autonomy with collective energy security, suggesting a shift towards more integrated energy policies also in light of preserving the EU’s strategic autonomy in response to emerging geopolitical challenges.

(Series Information) European Papers - A Journal on Law and Integration, 2024 9(1), 21-38 | European Forum Insight of 15 April 2024 | (Table of Contents) I. Introduction. - II. Context. - III. The draft regulation in detail. - III.1 Category 1 NGT plants. - III.2 Category 2 NGT plants. - III.3. Provisions for delegated and implementing acts as well as guidance material. - IV. Assessment of different scientific aspects in the regulation. - IV.1. Scientific reasoning of equivalence criteria as given in Annex I. - IV.2. Scientific reasoning of risk assessment criteria as given in Annex II. - V. Assessment of different legal aspects in the draft regulation. - V.1. Deliberate releases of cat 1 plants and committee procedure. - V.2 Precautionary principle. - V.3. Cartagena protocol. - v.4. Amendment of Annex I via delegated act. - VI. Ongoing discussion | (Abstract) This Insight explains in detail, yet easily understandable, the contents of the European Commission’s draft regulation on plants obtained by certain new genomic techniques and their food and feed. It critically comments on the underlying scientific considerations and discusses potential legal issues – the precautionary principle being one of them, though arguably not the most important one. Finally, the Insight summarizes the ongoing discussions and developments regarding the draft regulation. The Authors also hint at potential amendments, which might resolve some of the remaining problems.

(Series Information) European Papers - A Journal on Law and Integration, 2023 8(3), 1679-1695 | Article | (Table of Contents) I. Introduction. – II. The normative positioning of the Union: a new space for the collective exercise of sovereignty. – II.1. Human rights and criminal law, a source of inspiration and legitimacy. – II.2. Normative interpretation and hybridization within the Council practice. – III. “Supplementing” criminal repression? A new space to overcome the limits of jurisdiction. – III.1. Foreign policy v. criminal repression: the nature and purpose of the measures involved. – III.2. Overcoming the limits of jurisdiction and extending the reach of the measures. | (Abstract) The EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime was adopted by the European Union in December 2020, following in the footsteps of its allies and some of its own Member States. Initiated across the Atlantic in response to the murder of Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, these thematic international sanctions can now target anyone associated with the most serious human rights violations. Presented as key levers in the international fight against impunity, these instruments lie at the confluence of foreign policy and criminal justice. The EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime is therefore a privileged observation point for studying the evolution of practice in areas that are traditionally closely associated with State sovereignty. More specifically, the analysis, carried out within the framework of both EU external action law and public international law, shows how the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime enables the Union and its Member States to grasp some international situations which would fall outside their single competences and jurisdictions. This in turn illustrates a form of enhanced, collective and long-armed sovereignty, exercised on the international stage by the EU and its members in the service of their values and strategic interests.

(Series Information) European Papers - A Journal on Law and Integration, 2023 8(3), 1575-1597 | Article | (Table of Contents) I. Introduction. – II. New formulas in the regime of mutual recognition in the EIO. – III. The question of defining investigative measures and having recourse to a different one. – III.1. The applicability of the corrective mechanism in other cooperation systems. – IV. An increased extent of direct communication between the issuing and the executing authorities. – IV.1. Regulating greater communication between issuing and executing authorities as a form of institutionalised distrust. – V. The fundamental rights-based refusal ground and the question of its applicability. – V.1. Making the fundamental rights-based refusal ground the norm instead of it being the exception. – VI. Conclusion. | (Abstract) This Article concerns the European Investigation Order (EIO) and its relations to the principle of mutual recognition. The principle has been the engine of judicial cooperation in criminal matters between Member States of the European Union since the adoption of the Tampere conclusions in 1999. Member States rely on the principle in creating cooperation systems, thereby facilitating interaction among their criminal justice systems. Since Member States refrain from extensive criminal law harmonisation, the principle is of utmost importance. As such, a common regulatory technique was developed through which the principle is given effect in every cooperation system created so far. Although this regulatory technique was mostly followed in the directive establishing the EIO, it also introduced several novelties in the regime, notably the option to have recourse to another investigative measure, the possibility for a greater extent of communication, and the fundamental rights-based refusal ground. This Article argues that these rules make the EIO directive more protective of fundamental rights and show a new trend in the cooperation systems based on the principle of mutual recognition. In addition, while reviewing the applicability of these rules in other cooperation systems, it provides a proposal on how to apply them to enhance mutual trust between Member States through legislation.

(Series Information) European Papers - A Journal on Law and Integration, 2023 8(3), 1697-1740 | Article | (Table of Contents) I. Introduction. – II. Aid and assistance provided to Ukraine since February 2022. – II.1. The European Union and its Member States. – II.2. The United States of America, the United Kingdom and Canada. – II.3. Russia’s response. – II.4. Reactions from other states. – II.5. Conclusion. – III. Jus ad bellum, neutrality law, and jus in bello: the need for legal coherence. – III.1. Collective self-defence. – III.2. Different shades of neutrality? – III.3. Party status. – IV. Conclusion. | (Abstract) To assist Ukraine in defending itself against Russian aggression, the EU invoked the European Peace Facility to “finance the provision of […] military equipment and platforms designed to deliver lethal force for defensive purposes”. It marks the first time that the EU is funding the provision of lethal equipment to a third state. In October 2022, the EU announced the creation of EUMAM Ukraine to train Ukrainian Armed Forces to use the weapons EU Member States have provided. Since February 2022, the EU’s military aid and assistance has only increased. EU Member States are also providing military aid and assistance bilaterally, including training Ukrainian soldiers. In so doing, they are aligning their assistance with “like-minded” partners and NATO Member States, particularly the United States of America, the United Kingdom and Canada. This Article will assess the supply of military aid and equipment to Ukraine as well as the training of UAF through the lens of international law. One wonders whether the EU’s military aid and assistance amounts to collective self-defence, even if none of the supporting actors have invoked art. 51 UN Charter. The argument could be made that the EU and its Member States are breaching neutrality law in supplying lethal aid to Ukraine, albeit it has been argued that neutrality law is no longer relevant in the post charter era. The question also arises whether these actors have become parties to the conflict, even if supporting states and the EU frequently assert that they are not co-belligerents.

(Series Information) European Papers - A Journal on Law and Integration, 2024 9(1), 1-15 | European Forum Insight of 27 March 2024 | (Table of Contents) I. Introduction. - II. Background to the case. - III. The Advocate General's Opinion. - IV. The Judgment. - IV.1. The Analysis Under Art. 102 TFEU. - IV.2. The Analysis Under Art. 101 TFEU. - IV.3. Freedom to Provide Services. - V. Analysis. - V.1 What Role for the "European Sport Model"? - V.2. Can the UEFA/FIFA Rules Be Objectively Justified? - V.3. Broadcasting Rights, or How to Apply the European Sport Model.- VI. Conclusion: What Next for European Sport Law? | (Abstract) In European Super League Company (ESLC), the Court of Justice was faced with a challenge against the legality of FIFA and UEFA’s prior approval scheme for the creation of, and participation in, breakaway football competitions. The Court’s judgment is lengthy and nuanced, and touches on many of the issues which have characterised the ever-growing interaction between EU law and sport. The Court of Justice holds that the lack of a clear, transparent framework for the prior approval of breakaway constitutes a violation of arts 56, 101 and 102 TFEU, but provides indications about how such practices could be justified. Other aspects of the FIFA-UEFA regulatory ecosystem – for example, the framework for the joint sale of broadcasting rights – are found to be justifiable under EU law. The judgment also provides clarifications about how sport-related considerations can feed into the analysis of the TFEU’s competition and free movement provisions.

(Series Information) European Papers - A Journal on Law and Integration, 2023 8(3), 1663-1678 | Article | (Table of Contents) I. Introduction. – II. Primary law: migration management and its limits. – III. Secondary legislation: enhanced protection of migrants’ rights. - III.1. Enhancing the rights of migrants – III.2. Promotion of State interests. - IV. Asylum policy: reform failure and circumvention. – IV.1. “Pushbacks” as an extreme form of non-compliance. - IV.2. Continuity of “organised hypocrisy” over time. – V. Conclusion. | (Abstract) EU primary law reaffirms that States have the right to control the entry and stay of non-nationals, but it also entrusts the legislature with deciding, within the confines of human rights, how open or closed the external borders shall be. The ensuing tension between protection and state control is deeply engrained in the history and presence of European migration law. Supranational legislation often establishes a higher level of protection than human rights in the form of individual rights to legal entry or stay; these statutory guarantees considerably curtail the room for manoeuvre of the Member States, albeit on the basis of their “voluntary” consent. At the same time, EU migration law and policy can increase the practical leverage of States by means of inter-state cooperation. These contrasting dynamics coalesce in the contemporary debate about asylum policy. Protective elements exist, but several Member States violate their obligations, notably in the external border control context (“pushbacks”). While such instances of open resistance are unprecedented, they build on a history of half-hearted commitment ever since the signature of the Refugee Convention. EU migration law comprises reasonably generous domestic legislation and contributes to reducing the numbers of arrival at the same time, in particular via cooperation with third states such as Tunisia, Turkey, or Morocco, thus reiterating the simultaneity of “rescuing” and “taming” the nation-state.

(Series Information) European Papers - A Journal on Law and Integration, 2023 8(3), 1599-1628 | Article | (Table of Contents) I. Introduction. – II. Reform of epidemic surveillance. – III. Limited attention to decisions. – IV. Linguistic dimension. – V. Diversity and incidence of decisions. – VI. Inspiration for comparison. – VII. Substantial classification of decisions. – VIII. Outlining the doctrine of “standardising” decisions. – IX. Identified replacements by regulations. – X. Evaluation of these replacements. – XI. Perspectives andlimits of the tendency. – XII. Envisaged reform of secondary law instruments. – XIII. Conclusions. | (Abstract) The reform of epidemic surveillance in the European Union as a reaction to the Covid-19 pandemic attracts attention to one sporadically discussed phenomenon. Following the usual meaning of this term in legal settings, many decisions address individual cases. Nevertheless, a new category of decisions establishing rules has emerged in the past decades, i.e. “standardising” (“normative”, “norm-setting”, or “general”) decisions. These decisions have addressed the cooperation between the EU and national authorities, funding programmes and assistance to foreign countries. The European Parliament and the Council approved them. Theoretical reflections on these decisions are rare, but their pitfalls are identifiable. Namely, their possible effects on individuals are limited. The definition of unaddressed decisions provided by the Lisbon Treaty did not clarify the situation. Therefore, the recent tendency to replace these decisions with regulations deserves attention.

(Series Information) European Papers - A Journal on Law and Integration, 2023 8(3), 1645-1661 | Article | (Table of Contents) I. Introduction. – II. Law-making capacity as an expression of sovereignty. – III. The participation of international organizations in the formation of customary international law. – III.1. Overview. – III.2. Whose practice? – III.3. Which norms? – III.4. Conclusion. – IV. The practice of the EU and its relevance in the creation of customary international law. – IV.1. Overview. – IV.2. Legislative practice of the Union. – IV.3. Judicial practice of the CJEU. – IV.4. Positions taken by the Commission in (quasi-)judicial proceedings. – V. Conclusions. | (Abstract) This Article argues that the ability of the European Union to participate in the creation of customary international law curtails the sovereignty of its Member States. First, it shows that authority to participate in norm-creation constitutes a core aspect of sovereignty under international law. Second, it argues that the conduct of the European Union (as an international organization) may be determinative in ascertaining the existence and content of customary norms. However, that authority lacks an explicit basis in the treaties. Third, it asserts that this encompasses norms that are directly relevant for the Member States, potentially in circumstances outside of the scope of EU law. The Article then specifically discusses three types of acts of the Union and their relevance for the creation of customary international law, while providing examples that touch upon traditional inter-states relations. In particular, this concerns the legislative practice of the Union, the judicial practice of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) and public statements made by the Commission in (quasi-)judicial proceedings.

(Series Information) European Papers - A Journal on Law and Integration, 2023 8(3), 1555-1574 | Article | (Table of Contents) I. Introduction. – II. Rainbow families’ parental rights in the EU: charting progress through law and politics. – II.1. From courtrooms to Commission: the evolution of LGBTIQ parenthood recognition in EU law. – II.2. Political strategy of the Regulation proposal. – III. Concerns on the efficiency of the EU legislative mechanism. – III.1. The ambiguity of “EU value driven policy”. – III.2. The TFEU as an unexpected obstacle. – III.3. The Regulation proposal at an impasse: which alternatives? – IV. Conclusion. | (Abstract) The EU is known for its commitment to protecting the fundamental rights of same-sex couples as outlined in art. 10 TFEU and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU (Charter) within its value-driven principles. Nevertheless, same-sex couples still face discrimination in forming families. Only 14 out of 27 Member States allow same-sex marriage, seven offer some form of recognition, and the other six offer no recognition at all. To address this issue, the European Commission has proposed a legal instrument which would introduce uniform rules for jurisdiction and applicable law in matters of parenthood, with the goal of ensuring recognition of parental rights for rainbow families across the EU. While the European Court of Human Rights and the Court of Justice of the European Union have made significant efforts to legally protect LGBTIQ individuals, the EU’s ability to act in the face of anti-LGBTIQ legal and social climates is still being questioned. This Article will examine the contents of the Commission’s legislative proposal, its political strategy, and the practical obstacles to its adoption, including legal mechanisms and political situations in certain Member States. The effectiveness, practicability, and sustainability of the proposal will also be evaluated. The goal is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the Commission’s efforts to promote and protect the rights of same-sex couples in the EU.

(Series Information) European Papers - A Journal on Law and Integration, 2023 8(3), 1629-1643 | Article | (Table of Contents) I. The present meaning of State sovereignty. – II. The sovereignty of EU Member States. – III. Concluding remarks. | (Abstract) The present Article addresses the issue of the sovereignty of EU Member States from the perspective of general international law. In a first part, it tries to define the present meaning of sovereignty in international law. As a guide, three main approaches to sovereignty are used, i.e. an understanding of sovereignty as independence, as Völkerrechtsunmittelbarkeit (direct legal relationship between a State and international law), and as an autonomy of States under the constitution of the international community. In a second part, the Article applies the criteria of these three approaches to the Member States of the EU. It also addresses the question of whether the EU itself can be qualified as sovereign, and the issue of a “shared” or “divided” sovereignty in Europe. By way of conclusion, the third part makes a plea for defending the concept of supranationalism, as established in Europe after World War II, against the idea of State sovereignty.