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The paper addresses the question of what settings are empirically relevant for the occurrence of electoral violence in the region of Western Balkans and what theoretical paths may cover their logic. Electoral violence has been part of the electoral arenas in the region for decades and although it has evolved and in some cases disappeared, a number of countries still experience it. The paper analyses original data on electoral violence collected from the OSCE monitoring reports covering fifty‐six parliamentary elections organized between 1990 and 2015. Applying fuzzy‐set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA), the paper identifies four sub‐models under which electoral violence is observed. The conjunctural logic that defines each and every of the discussed paths within the sub‐models shows that the scenarios of electoral violence in the Western Balkans are always complex and potentially relevant conditions are never sufficient for the outcome on their own. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to fill a gap of knowledge by providing a quantitative measure of molecularly identified species and genotypes belonging to Echinococcus granulosussensu lato (s.l.) causing human cystic echinococcosis (CE) in Europe during the period 2000–2021. As these species and genotypes are characterized by genetic, animal host and geographical differences, studying the E. granulosuss.l. complex is epidemiologically relevant. Methods: A systematic review (SR) was conducted on the basis of both scientific and grey literature considering primary studies between 2000 and 2021 in four databases. From a total of 1643 scientific papers, 51 records were included in the SR. The main inclusion criterion for this study was the molecular confirmation of E. granulosuss.l. at the genotype/species level as a causative agent of human CE cases in selected European countries. Results: Relevant data were obtained from 29 out of 39 eligible European countries. This SR identified 599 human molecularly confirmed echinococcal cysts: 460 (76.8%) identified as E. granulosussensu stricto (s.s.), 130 (21.7%) as E. canadensis cluster (G6/7 and G10), 7 (1.2%) as E. ortleppi (G5), and 2 as E. vogeli (0.3%). Three geographical hotspots of human CE caused by different species of the E. granulosuss.l. complex were identified: (1) E. granulosuss.s. in Southern and South-eastern Europe (European-Mediterranean and Balkan countries); (2) E. canadensis (G6/7) in Central and Eastern Europe; (3) E. ortleppi in Central and Western Europe. This SR also identified data gaps that prevented a better definition of the geographical distribution of the Echinococcus granulosuss.l. species complex in Europe: western Balkan countries, part of Central Europe, and Baltic countries. Conclusions: These results mandate longitudinal, multi-centre, intersectoral and transdisciplinary studies which consider both molecular and clinical epidemiology in animals and humans. Such studies would be valuable for a better understanding of the transmission of the E. granulosuss.l. species complex and their potential clinical impact on humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This paper is related to the current stage of development in the Western Balkans. Despite becoming growing instruments to finance sustainable green development, debt swaps and social or sustainability bonds are relative novelties in this region. At the same time, the development needs are huge, especially in the light of the COVID-19 aftermath. Results: The review of both historic financial instruments, such as the debt for nature swaps, and more recent ones, such as sustainability bonds in its variations, highlight the potential for use in developing countries. The relatively recent case from Montenegro and the recent issuance of the green bond in Serbia showcase the possibilities. The focus of this paper is an analysis of the public debt position of Western Balkan countries. The growing level of public debt over the past decade points to a lack of adequate interventions and a relatively imminent need for fiscal consolidation. The research suggests that environmental, social, governance/sustainability-linked bonds and debt-for-climate swap investments as innovative financial instruments that hold promise in leveraging additional finance to support the sustainability goals of the six countries of the Western Balkans. This influx of capital would be particularly advantageous, given their needs relative to EU accession and their economic and structural challenges. The recommendations for policymakers are derived based on the history and features of green bonds as well as debt-for-nature swaps and their diverse underlying mechanisms which are adaptable to the respective countries. Conclusions: The related countries would benefit from exploring more innovative approaches to finance sustainable societies. In close cooperation with the EU and taking the European Green Deal into consideration, it is recommended that the six countries of the Western Balkans design financing mechanisms that will bring increased transparency to the different policies and more accountability for their implementation. Applying the recommended modality may help keep the problem of the public debt at bay, while additional funds may support implementation of structural reforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The European Commission (EC), based on the European Green Deal (2019) and the Recovery plan for Europe (2021), envisages investing 30% of the budget in climate-related programs, projects, and initiatives, which clearly shows Europe's commitment to becoming the first climate-neutral region by 2050. Activities are also planned for countries that are not members of the European Union (EU), which require complex changes in the field of legislation, strategic planning, implementation, and monitoring. To successfully plan short-term and long-term activities on these grounds, it is necessary to have a realistic picture of the state of climate change in each country—as they spill over into the entire region of Europe. The main objective of this paper is to answer the following questions: (i) is climate change observed in Western Balkans? (ii) how are certain sectors vulnerable to climate change in Western Balkans? (iii) what are the climate change adaptation strategies in the six countries of the Western Balkans? The answers to these questions can help in planning activities and initial alignment of Western Balkan countries with the EU plan to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. Main body: The main results of the research show that in all countries of the region, the average annual temperature increased by 1.2 °C compared to 1970, with stabilization and the beginning of the decline which can be expected around 2040. The main reasons for climate change in the region are: industry, energy, and heating sector based on coal exploitation, low energy efficiency, etc. Conclusions: It can be concluded that Croatia as a member of the EU has adopted, and other five Western Balkans countries are in the process of adopting the necessary regulations and strategies towards climate change mitigation, but the implementation of specific activities is at a low level. The reason for this most often lies in the insufficient commitment of decision-makers to make significant changes in the field of climate change transition (lower level of economic development, lack of investment, and preservation of social peace). Finally, this paper provides an overview of climate change by country, scenario analysis, and policy recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Anatolian Research / Anadolu Araştırmaları is the property of Anatolian Research and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Migrations, transfers, and population changes have taken place between states from Balkans and Anatolian area in the first half of the twentieth century. This process had as a result the appearance of new ethnicities having the place of origin as a central identity marker. Although under a general theory, each case must (also) be treated in its specific. The present paper approaches the case of Arvanites from Tyhero, Greece, a village near the river Evros, the border with Turkey. The conclusion is that their identity in relation to a place of origin, situated not far away beyond Evros, is retreating in the face of an identity connected to the entire region of Thrace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to determine the current situation in the field of geographical indications schemes (GI), obstacles for futures development and to provide recommendations for GIs development in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. GIs quality schemes provide confirmation to consumers that foodstuff is a traditional product produced in a certain area and with certain attributes. Although the Western Balkan countries are reach in well-known traditional products and have excellent ago-ecological conditions for GIs production, this quality schemes are not developed. In this paper are applied comparative methodology, literature review and field research. Results are showing that path to improvement GIs is in the further legal framework harmonization with EU legal framework, providing flexibility for registration of the GIs foodstuff processing capacities, support to the producer's organization, shifting of the national GIs recognition to the EU, systematic support to the GIs etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes policies of the Yugoslav foreign ministers Momčilo Ninčić and Vojislav Marinković towards the ideas of the Balkan unity. Not only were both of them prominent political figures, but also economists and in several mandates ministers of finance, national economy, trade (and industry) and/or construction. Therefore the aim is to analyze their views on the political unification and economic co-operation between the Balkan states, and factors that provided opportunities or stood as constraints to the implementation of their plans. Chronologically, the paper covers the period from the beginning of the Locarno period in the Balkans to the beginning of the Balkan Conferences. The paper is primarily based on the Yugoslav and Bulgarian archival sources, domestic and foreign published sources, and scientific literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archaeology & Science / Arheologija i Prirodne Nauke is the property of Institute of Archaeology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Meat Technology is the property of Institute of Meat Hygiene & Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Annales Musei historico-naturalis hungarici is the property of Hungarian Natural History Museum and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The paper deals with the population decline in Balkan countries in the last three decades, since 1990. It researches the scale of depopulation in the Balkans and analyses the causes and possible consequences of the population decline. It argues that the failure of imposed neoliberal economic policies in the Balkan countries in the 1990s caused deindustrialization, GDP stagnation and high unemployment rates, especially of young people. Together with the shift in values from traditional to neo-liberal ones which promote materialism, hedonism, consumerism and liberal middle-class feminism, it caused dramatic reduction in fertility (live births per woman) as well as a significant brain drain and economic emigration from the Balkan countries in the last 30 years. Depopulation is becoming a limiting factor for sustainability of Balkan societies. It imposes a long-term danger for demographic survival of these societies, and generates an array of other negative economic, social and political consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Western societies face a major challenge to control their stray dog population due to its uncontrolled propagation and abandonment. Despite the management programmes implemented in many European countries, the reduction of the stray dog population has not been achieved. This is not only related to dogs' well-being, but also to their coexistence with humans, especially in urban areas. Problemsolving approaches vary in different countries, as there is no common legislation in the European Community dealing with stray dog control. To realise this research study, data from secondary sources, as well as data collected from thirteen European countries were analysed. A comparative overview of policies and measures was examined to show that stray dog population management depends on the policy implicated by each country. In contrast to countries of northern Europe, significant problems were faced mainly by the countries of southern Europe and the Balkans. The purpose of this paper was to present the legal framework of management for the stray dog population in accordance with what is implemented in different EU countries and to unveil the need for action for a common European Community Directive or Regulation dealing with stray dog control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If the standards of living in the Western Balkans are to converge on those in the EU then the current productivity gap needs eliminating. A significant portion of that gap would ideally be eliminated through the expansion of employer-provided training. However, survey data indicate that since 2016 training incidence has been rising in only two of the six countries of the Western Balkans. The main contribution of this paper is to investigate this disappointing performance. A model of the determinants of the incidence of employer-provided training is developed based on theory and investigations in other countries. It is found that in the Western Balkans firms with foreign owners, those who export and those who report that their employees are eager to access training are more likely to provide training, whilst micro and small firms are less likely to provide training. Sentiments regarding the firm's and economy's current performance and their prospects are also significant determinants. The policy implications of these findings are addressed in the concluding section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the acknowledged significance of organization communication in achieving positive organizational outcomes, there is a dearth of empirical knowledge regarding internal organization communication (IOC) influence on employee engagement (EE), particularly in Balkan countries. The aim of this study is to fill this research gap by measuring the effect of IOC in EE, thereby providing a significant contribution to the growing domain of organizational communication. Specifically, this paper investigates the relationship between eight dimensions of IOC (such as communication climate, supervisory communication, organizational integration, media quality, co-worker communication, company information, personal feedback, and subordinate communication) and three dimensions of EE (employee vigour, employee dedication, and employee absorption). The present study involved the administration of a survey to a sample of 152 employees working in public secondary education institutions within the Republic of North Macedonia. The data was subjected to analysis using SPSS software. The results of the study indicate that several IOC dimensions play a crucial role in predicting various dimensions of EE, such as employee energy, dedication, and absorption within the organization. The findings of this study make a substantial contribution to the existing knowledge on the relationship between IOC and EE in nonprofit organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetramorium Mayr, 1855 is a worldwide distributed and hyperdiverse ant genus consisting of almost 600 taxa manifesting various life history strategies. Species of the Tetramorium inquilinum species-group represents one of the most extreme forms of parasitism and consist of degenerate workerless social parasites of several Tetramorium species. So far, its members have been recorded in the Palearctic from montane to alpine zones and reveal an interesting disjunction in host selection observed between eastern-Mediterranean and western-Mediterranean species. We describe a fifth member of the Tetramorium inquilinum species-group: Tetramorium albenae Salata, van Delft & Borowiec sp. n. The species morphologically differs from the remaining members of the group by the combination of the following characters: dense and erect pilosity of appendages and the whole body, smooth head sculpture, predominantly smooth anepisternum and katepisternum, lack of blunt teeth on propodeum, and presence of distinct carianae on the dorsolateral margins of the propodeum. Tetramorium albenae Salata, van Delft & Borowiec sp. n. was collected in a lowland olive grove, a site so far not associated with the Tetramorium inquilinum species-group, from a nest of Tetramorium kephalosi (a new host species for the group). The data presented in this paper provide new insights into the habitat preferences of the species of the Tetramorium inquilinum species-group and extend our knowledge on the potential host species of these parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Praehistorische Zeitschrift is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The European Union (EU) is the dominant political and economic influence in the Western Balkan (WB) region, but in the view of many of the region's citizens, EU integration is associated with strict and painful convergence criteria and burdensome reforms as well as the inertia of unfulfilled accession requirements. China's involvement in the region is focused mainly on much-needed but controversial infrastructure investments; accordingly, it has attracted increasing international attention over the past decade. At the same time, Turkey, the Arab States, and Russia have also shown heightened interest in the region. This paper addresses the important geopolitical question of whether a mutually-beneficial relationship for all participants is possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintaining monetary stability is the first and fundamental objective of the currency board regime, especially after political and economic crises such as the one in the Balkans in the 1990s. The very limited role of the central bank has disciplined financial institutions and governments, but at the same time is not conducive to long-term growth and employment. This policy ties the domestic currency to the 'peg' currency, leading to inflationary tendencies in the country whose currency is used as the 'peg'. Currently, the high inflation rates are caused by the pandemic crisis, but also by the war in Ukraine. This paper analyses the causes of inflation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Bulgaria as countries with currency boards. The results show that inflation in these two countries is 'imported inflation' from two points of view: the monetary policy of the European Central Bank and the inflation trend in the EMU, but mainly due to the Ukraine crisis and consequently the energy and food crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dating is crucial for a correct integration of plant remains in the (pre)history of crops, particularly for those that do not belong to the Neolithic package and are known to arrive in Europe much later. This paper reviews one of the earliest records of rye from Romania. The grains were discovered in the tell settlement of Cunești, which belongs to the Gumelnița communities (ca. 4600–3900 BC). In 1954, due to Danube flooding, a large portion of the south part of the tell collapsed, and between the burnt dwelling visible in the resulting profile, a large number of sherds from three typical Gumelnița pots were identified. According to the excavation's author, rye grains were found in association with those sherds, and it was assumed that a batch was stored in these Eneolithic vessels. Consequently, the rye was published as belonging to the Gumelnița period. Our reanalysis led to two radiocarbon (14C) dates, from two different laboratories, which indicate that the Cunești rye is not prehistoric but dates to the medieval period. To correct this error concerning this rye batch and the implications for European archaeology, we decided to republish these grains in an updated chronological framework. In addition, we performed stable isotope analyses on the charred grains, confirming they were cultivated on dry land, as well as a 3D morphometric investigation. Our research brings new and original data on rye cultures from the medieval period in southeastern Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research paper is to build the historical journey of the development of music education since its origins until the middle of the 20th century. Based on archival documents and facts, historical and journalistic publications, texts and didactic musical pedagogical methods, as well as in other supplementary materials I present with facts, analysis and generalizing treatments in the historical plane, the path of the formation and development of the music education tradition as part of general education system and also outside it. The research model was historical research which underpins all other research into music education as even the most contemporary facts have already occurred. The technique for analysing archival documents in the context of music education were document identification, document evaluation, content analysis, interpretation of the findings from the archival documents and synthesize the information to form a coherent narrative or analysis of music education practices descriptive analysis of the technical character of music methods that is made to each document stored in the Central State Archive (CSA), the comparative method for the recognition and contributions given by every religious educational institution in Scutari or secular in the four cities. To accomplish this objective, the study is focused on the documents researched mainly in Central State Archive as well as other sources publication interviews). On this basis and according to the historic importance, the study is shed light on the path of development of Albanian music pedagogy and the stages which defined this development, both in the drawing up of programs as well as through the publication of musical books by Albanian or foreign authors. The article gives a unique contribution of the first phase of the establishment of the music education tradition in Albania, as an outcome of which there were some achievements of the artistic activities, which linked the general music education of the first half of 20th century. This study may be the beginning of a wider research for professional music pedagogy in Albania, may serve for the international researchers to know the development of music pedagogy in the early years of education in Albania and to compare it with the developments in the Balkans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to shed light on distribution patterns and the relationship between species diversity and environmental heterogeneity of 17 Edraianthus taxa. We examined present and past distributions (Last Glacial Maximum) by applying ecological niche modelling. The environmental space occupied by the taxa was analysed using niche comparison methods. The results support the idea that the central and southern Dinaric Alps represent a centre of diversity and endemism in the western Balkan Peninsula. Diversity in Edraianthus is best explained by topographic (slope) and bioclimatic predictors (maximum temperature of warmest month, precipitation seasonality, precipitation of warmest quarter, precipitation of coldest quarter), suggesting that mountain areas with the most diversified relief have higher diversity. Niche modelling results suggest considerable range dynamics during the climatically unstable Quaternary. Thermophilic and lowland taxa responded with longitudinal shifts to ecologically suitable areas farther south, whereas high-mountain taxa responded mainly with elevational shifts. The greatest niche similarity is found among phylogenetically closely related taxa and among ecologically similar and often sympatric taxa. The least similarity was observed in species with marked differences in habitat elevation and in more geographically isolated species. Our results suggest that the extent of range and niche overlap varied among some taxa throughout their evolutionary history, which may have led to diversification at both allopatric and sympatric levels. The correlation between the genetic diversity of the most widespread taxon and the richness of taxa could be a consequence of past and present contacts. On the other hand, alternate periods of isolation may have favoured the emergence of taxa that are reproductively isolated and ecologically specialized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gumelnița site belongs to the Kodjadermen-Gumelnița-Karanovo VI (KGK VI) communities (c. 4700–3900 cal BC) and comprises the tell-type settlement and its corresponding cemetery. This paper reconstructs the diet and lifeways of the Chalcolithic people in the northeastern Balkans using archaeological remains found at the Gumelnița site (Romania). A multi-bioarchaeological investigation (archaeobotany, zooarchaeology, anthropology) was conducted on vegetal, animal, and human remains, alongside radiocarbon dating and stable isotope analyses (δ13C, δ15N) of humans (n = 33), mammals (n = 38), reptiles (n = 3), fishes (n = 8), freshwater mussels shells (n = 18), and plants (n = 24). According to the results of δ13C and δ15N values and FRUITS, the inhabitants of Gumelnița had a diet based on crops and using natural resources, such as fish, freshwater molluscs and game. Although domestic fauna was occasionally exploited for meat, it had a role in providing secondary products. Crops were heavily manured, and chaff and other crop waste may have been necessary fodder for cattle and sheep. Dogs and pigs fed on human waste, although the diet of the latter is more similar to that of wild boars. Foxes had a diet close to dogs, which may indicate synanthropic behaviour. Radiocarbon dates were calibrated with the percentage of freshwater resources obtained by FRUITS. As a result, the corrected dates for the freshwater reservoir effect (FRE) have a delay of an average of 147 years. According to our data, this agrarian community developed a subsistence strategy under the pressure of some climatic changes that started after 4300 cal BC, corresponding to KGK VI rapid collapse/decline episode tracked recently (that begins around 4350 cal BC). This matching of our data in the two models (climatic and chrono-demographic) allowed us to capture the economic strategies that led to the resilience of those people more than other contemporary KGK VI communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper focuses on Aleksandar Petrov’s novel Kao zlato u vatri, originally published by this Serbian author in 1998. The novel’s main characters represent diverse ethnic groups inhabiting the Balkans (Jews, Serbians, Russians), and their fortunes intertwined with the tumultuous events of 20th century history, namely WWII and the Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s. The primary objective of the article is to address the question of whether it is feasible to apply Michael Rothberg’s model of multifaceted memory in a scenario involving distinct memory communities (such as Serbs, Croatians, and possibly Jews), characterized by a specific proximity (primarily territorial, historical and rooted in past coexistence within one national entity) and where relations are predominantly shaped by unresolved past grievances and mutual accusations of guilt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Republic of North Macedonia, as a country with a central geographic location on the Balkan Peninsula, represents a transit state through which the main road passes, where nearly a million migrants passed in recent years. This is also why many gangs and criminal groups that operate in an organized manner in the territory of the Republic of North Macedonia are allowed to commit criminal offenses related to the smuggling of migrants, which is also the research problem of this paper. With the content analysis method, we offer an overview of the criminalization of the offense of "migrant smuggling" in the Republic of North Macedonia. In contrast, through the statistical method, we offer a statistical analysis of criminal offenses of this type to create a good overview of the number and manner of committing these criminal acts. Based on the results of official statistical data from 2017-2021, it has been established that the number of smuggling migrants is increasing, while the number of persons convicted for the criminal offense "smuggling of migrants" is increasing slightly. We conclude that the Republic of North Macedonia has raised its capacities following international standards and has made a legal and institutional contribution to the prevention and fight against migrant smuggling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Natura Sloveniae: Revija za Terensko Biologijo / Journal of Field Biology is the property of Natura Sloveniae and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The development of the third sector in the countries of the Western Balkans, along with other sensitive issues, is at the centre of the analysis of the European integration processes of the region. Underlining the difficulties and limited contribution that civil society organizations, human rights associations, foundations, groups of expertise and social enterprises have for the advancing of democracy and the protection of citizens' rights, international organizations, and European institutions view state cooperation with third sector as an issue, which needs to be addressed. The assessment of third sector organizations guiding principles of cooperation with the government institutions is carried out through this study in a regional context of the Western Balkans literature, third sector researches and paper reports. The research design and the construction of the variables guided the data collection process in a mixed methodology, where the main inquiring instruments are the questionnaires, focus groups and documents review. The regional context of the study included a specific analysis of Albania as a distinct case in which the functioning of third sector organizations is reported to be characterized by fragmentation, incoherence and struggle to exist. The conclusions of the research call for a renewed approach to the third sector with a particular emphasis on cooperation, support and sustain from government institutions, essential for renewing of interventions, projects and strategies that promote the rule of law, human rights and democracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper will investigate the development of the War Guilt Question in interwar Europe through an examination of the dispute between two of Britain's leading experts on the Balkans, Mary Edith Durham and R.W. Seton-Watson. The locus of their disagreement centred on the question of Serbian complicity in the plot to murder Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo in June 1914, and the subsequent debate over their responsibility for the outbreak of War. The dispute was prompted by revelations published by Ljuba Jovanović, former Serb Minister of Public Instruction. The debate over the Serb complicity in the Sarajevo crime, fundamentally shifted the debate over responsibility for the failure of peace in 1914, moving the focus away from Berlin, back to the Balkans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrient‐poor waters with small Utricularia species have been unknown in most of southern Europe and the Balkans. All the more notable are occurrences of Utricularia ochroleuca and Utricularia minor in north Greece. The records presented in this paper extend the known southeast European distribution boundaries of both species southward, and constitute U. ochroleuca a new species to Greece and southern Europe. U. ochroleuca was found in small peaty pools and seepage sites with base‐poor water within subalpine fens and headwaters, U. minor in very shallow base‐containing waters of spring brooks in upper montane ophiolite environments. The plant species composition of the Utricularia vegetation and its habitats are described. The pertinent vegetation types – Utricularietum ochroleucae and Scorpidio‐Utricularietum, respectively, as well as their higher‐ranking syntaxa – are new to Greece and the Balkans. The vegetation with U. ochroleuca forms part of the Annex I habitat type 3160 of the EU Habitats Directive, which is also new to Greece. Nature conservation status and management conditions of the detected plant communities and habitats with Utricularia in northern Greece are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Union (EU) revived the enlargement process in response to the Russia-Ukraine war. That reaction compares to how the EU utilized this process following the wars in the Balkans in the 1990s. In this paper, we argue that on neither occasion was the inclusion of more states within EU borders a preferred EU working agenda. Instead, the EU used enlargement as a stabilization and security-building mechanism without guaranteeing membership as the end state. This observation has implications for the future of the enlargement process. We argue that the outcome of the previous rounds of enlargement was reactive and context-driven. Absent those same contextual factors, and although the EU reacts to the Russia-Ukraine war in a familiar sequence of incomplete decision-making, the outcome of this wartime enlargement negotiation process points in a different direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four cores from Balkans lakes Ohrid and Prespa were studied for recognition of tephra layers and cryptotephras, and the results presented along with the review of data from other two already published cores from Lake Ohrid. The six cores provide a previously unrealised tephrostratigraphic framework of the two lakes, and supply the first detailed tephrochronologic profile (composite) for the Balkans, which spans from the end of the Middle Pleistocene to the end of the Ancient Age (AD 472). A total of 12 tephra layers and cryptotephras were recognised in the cores. One is of Middle Pleistocene age (131 ky) and correlated to the marine tephra layer P-11 from Pantelleria Island. Eight volcanic layers are Upper Pleistocene in age, and encompass the period between ca. 107 ky and ca. 31 ky. This interval contains some of the main regional volcanic markers of the Central Mediterranean area, including X-6, X-5, Y-5 and Y-3 tephra layers. The other layers of this interval have been related to the marine tephra layers C20, Y-6 and C10, while one was for the first time recognised in distal areas and correlated to the Taurano eruption of probable Vesuvian origin. Three cryptotephras were of Holocene age. Two of which have been correlated to Mercato and AD 472 eruptions of Somma-Vesuvius, while the third has been correlated to the FL eruption from Mount Etna. These recognitions provide a link of the Ohrid and Prespa lacustrine successions to other archives of the Central Mediterranean area, like South Adriatic, Ionian, and South Tyrrhenian Seas, lakes of Southern Italy (Lago Grande di Monticchio, Pantano di San Gregorio Magno and Lago di Pergusa) and Balkans (Lake Shkodra). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This paper aims to analyze the possibilities of the agricultural sector of the Western Balkan to assess compliance with the European Green Deal, which provides for the implementation of activities, which should enable the transition to sustainable agriculture and climate change mitigation. This paper is among the first to present the causality of agriculture and climate change (status, mitigation, and perspectives) in general and in light of the European Green Deal for the Western Balkan territory. Main text: Agricultural production is a leading industry in the Western Balkan. Climate change and predictions that temperatures will increase by 4 °C in the coming decades pose a risk not only to agricultural production but also to the safety of the population, because agriculture is the main source of income for a significant part of it. Uncontrolled floods and droughts caused by climate change are a particular danger for agriculture and human existence. This paper demonstrates that agriculture in the WB can be considered critically affected by climate change. Conclusions: Unless appropriate measures are taken and risk management for water resources and agriculture is improved, there will be a further decrease in precipitation and an increase in dry days by 20%. Such a scenario endangers not only the already vulnerable climate sustainability and biodiversity of the region but also the existence of a population employed in agriculture and the contribution of the agricultural sector to the gross domestic product. However, future planning based on the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) and European Green Deal, the adoption of a related regulatory framework, the establishment and regular monitoring of supporting financing mechanisms, regional cooperation, and improving risk management (with emphasis on the local level) can mitigate the present impact and decrease the expected negative impact of climate change on agriculture and biodiversity in the WB region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper is a first attempt to read through the lines of a legal text, namely the 1742 French version Constitution of Wallachia that was published in Mercure de France. Despite the differences between the original and the translation, we will not compare the two texts in the present paper. Our aim is rather to stress the ideas this very version of the Constitution presents for the first time to the French readers at a very critical moment both for the distant region of the Balkans and for their own political life and international relations under the King Louis XV. The "Constitution" seems to be conservative because the Prince is presented as elected with God's will and he offers tax exemption to the Clergy and Nobles. But, between the lines, we can see that it is an effort to relieve the poor. The Prince also admits that some Nobles, Priests and Abbots or government officials should be controlled, in order not to act for their own benefit. Thus, he stresses that the modernization of a state has to do with laws properly applied, in fiscal, judicial, administrative and social issues. All these can be seen within the frame of the Early Modernity ideas when Enlightenment is getting more mature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigated the role of interactive tourist mobile apps in tourism development. The researchers presented the e-Tracer application, which was developed taking into consideration the recent advantages in mobile computing, the importance of user-generated content and the needs of northern Greece and the lower Balkan countries. Apart from crowd-based content creation, a new generation of apps for tourism development may include additional components like serious games for tourists, map-based navigation systems and augmented/virtual reality applications, in order to offer memorable user experiences for tourists. An agile content management system design methodology was followed by taking into account the needs of alternative tourist destinations, small to medium sized real-world museums and driver rest areas located around highways which connect cross-country destinations in the lower Balkan countries and Turkey. This work positioned the role of interactive crowd-enhanced platforms for content management of tourist-related information in tourism development, economic growth and sustainability of the Egnatia motorway surrounding areas in Greece. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper focuses on the current developments of the Greek new media arts scene and digital performances, a field of contemporary art which still remains non-contextualized in a particular socio-political environment by art theoreticians in Greece. The present study explores the concept of newness in new media arts and provides an overview and a critical reflection on the role of the non-profit and non-governmental organizations (NPOs/NGOs) in structuring a new media art scene in the post-communist countries of the Balkans. Consequently, the paper seeks to contextualize the Greek scene in this historical background provided by the Balkans' recent past in contemporary new media arts. The study suggests that the current Greek scene is in a precursor phase of what took place a few decades earlier in the northern countries of the Balkans, given the fact that its new media art scene currently passes the threshold of the collaboration with a – yet limited – number of national NPOs/NGOs. Although there is not an immediate political analogy between the Balkans and Greece, nevertheless the financial and political crisis in Greece the past few years has clearly functioned as a condition for comparable politics of art management to be implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the recent or revisited assumptions in the literature, the "dependent capitalism" hypothesis has met growing interest and relevance in the context of the 2008 economic and financial crisis. The purpose of the present article is first to expand the scope of the dependence analysis to the Balkan countries, both members and non-members of the EU, and second, to demonstrate that dependence also appears in these countries in a differentiated way through another institutional form, not included in the initial theoretical framework of Hall and Soskice, monetary regimes. A monetary regime can be considered as a structuring institutional form, expressing the power relations between national and foreign actors. In the dependent capitalism case, where foreign capital prevails and the trade balance dynamics is determined by the capital account, one could expect that monetary regimes would be implemented in a way to protect the capital and interests of foreign investors in the long term, hence to delegate monetary sovereignty to the investor's country of origin. In the first part of the paper, some theoretical and methodological aspects of the dependent capitalism in post-socialist countries and of the specific monetary regime on which it is based, are discussed. Then, in the second part, the dependence analysis is illustrated by the case studies of monetary regimes in the Balkans during the period from 1990 to 2015. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This paper examines the conditionality in relation to fundamental rights during and after the visa liberalisation dialogues that took place between the European Commission and national governments of the Western Balkans countries in 2009 and 2010. Conceptually, this paper uses the visa liberalisation to study the interactions between the conditionality mechanism and securitisation paradigm in the context of the European Union (EU) justice, freedom and security area. Analysing both the formal benchmarking process and data from stakeholders’ interviews, this paper demonstrates the securitisation and side-lining of fundamental rights during and in the aftermath of the visa negotiations. As a result, this paper informs of unwanted effects of conditionality and questions the role of the EU in promoting fundamental rights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the idea that EU has to reformate as a result of the latest challenges, including the Brexit. A possible effect and opportunity from this can be a stronger position for the EU Balkan Member States. The analysis in the paper takes into consideration all Balkan economies, including candidate countries in order to obtain a general approach for the region. This approach is new because it puts together member and candidate members from a region, in the context of re-evaluating the EU, and leads to the idea of finding a regional leader able to generate regional progress and to support the region's interests in the European Institutions. The analysis covers five representative economic indicators (GDP growth rate, gross fixed capital formation, unemployment rate, inflation rate and general government gross debt) and is realized on three levels: a comparative analyses, a cluster analysis, and a cumulative analysis as well. Moreover, regression is used in order to point out the economic disparities across the region. The main conclusion of the analysis is that the great regional economic disparities can be decrease using common regional policies. Moreover, the analysis identifies a regional economic leader able to coordinate common initiatives at least on short and medium terms. The analysis and the conclusions in the paper are supported by the latest official statistic data, pertinent tables and diagrams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the external dimension of the EU energy policy in the scope of which we can also define the common perception of energy environment of the EU. The EU is particularly interested in the states of the Western Balkans which are in different phases of integration process towards the full EU membership, integral energy security of the EU and, finally, the EU's Energy Union. In the context of energy policies, these states are significant as an area of potential transport routes important for the diversification of EU energy supply, particularly gas. Simultaneously, this region is where the EU is facing conflicting interests beyond regional subjects, primarily Russia, which are to a great extent realized using the energy (gas) dependence of the states in the region. Consequently, the EU is strongly affirming the issue of energy security and helps the states - candidates for EU membership define and coordinate their energy policies as the basis for energy security. The EU puts emphasis on security and not on economic aspect of this policy. Subsequently, with security in general, energy security is a significant prerequisite to the process of joining the EU. Also, there is a strong interdependence of these two aspects of security in this region, where the general security of the Western Balkans influences the energy security of the EU. Thus, the paper will elaborate on the impact of security in the Western Balkans on energy security from the EU perspective. In particular, one part of the paper is dedicated to analyzing energy interests of the EU member states which share borders with this area and which should actively participate in stabilizing this region. This paper establishes the hypothesis that in the future, energy security of the EU will increasingly depend on the supply routes stretching across the Western Balkans and the neighbouring states, which places great importance on the active improvement of the stability of this area and its inclusion in the EU. The importance of the Western Balkans for the energy security of the EU and its efforts to stabilize the Western Balkans for energy security will be analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Financial inclusion is perceived as an enabler of poverty reduction around the world and today is in agenda of all policy makers in both developed and developing countries. In order to emphasize the importance of financial inclusion and provide an insight to the level of financial inclusion around the world, this paper investigates the extent of financial inclusion in different developing regions around the world. The paper investigates developing regions (Eastern, South and Central Asia, Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Western Balkans) because population of these regions is at the highest risk of financial exclusion. Using secondary data from existing the Global Findex data base, this paper shows low levels of financial inclusion in developing regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Transferring a building type from its original context (in the sense of genius loci) into a foreign environment for which it was not intended, is equivalent to transplantation. As the case studies show, the evoked response does not necessarily have to be negative. Rather, this phenomenon is to be understood as an external impulse that influences regional architectural development. This paper examines the principle of the architectural-historical process in the territory of the Carpathian Basin in three periods. The case studies of the article are derived from the architecture of the Roman era (1st–5th centuries CE), the Ottoman era (16th–17th centuries CE) and the historical industrial architecture of the era of Austro-Hungarian Monarchy (19th–20th centuries CE), since the Carpathian Basin, the interference territory of Western and Eastern Europe, Northern Europe and the Balkans, was under the influence of states with centres in a different area. These being the Roman Empire, the Ottoman Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, all having a determinative influence on the following period's architecture. Consequently, the influence of a relatively different culture with global dimensions can be examined within a regional context. This perspective leads to the actual question of architectural history: how the interaction of local and global architectural tendencies and features, the relationship between the centre, semi-periphery and periphery influence the examination of architectural processes and preservation of unique values. By examining the case studies, the paper establishes the categories of architectural transfer and architectural export. The aim of the paper is to stimulate discussions through further examples. Az olyan eset, amikor egy épülettípus eredeti kontextusából (a genius loci értelmében) átkerül egy, a kialakulási helyéhez képest idegen környezetbe, megegyezik az áttelepítés jelenségével. Amint azt az esettanulmányok mutatják, a kiváltott hatás nem feltétlen negatív, így a jelenséget sokkal inkább egy olyan külső impulzusként lehet értelmezni, amely befolyásolhatja a regionális építészeti fejlődést. A tanulmány három szakaszban vizsgálja az alapvető építészettörténeti folyamatokat a Kárpátmedence területén. Az írás esettanulmányai a római kor építészetéből (Kr. u. 1–5. század), az oszmán hódoltság korszakából (Kr. u. 16–17. század) és az Osztrák-Magyar Monarchia-korabeli történeti ipari építészet (Kr.u. 19–20. század) témaköreiből származnak. A Kárpát-medence Nyugat- és Kelet-Európa, valamint Észak-Európa és a Balkán-félsziget találkozási pontjában fekszik, és számos olyan államalakulat hatása érte, melynek központja e területen kívülre esett. A Római Birodalom, az Oszmán Birodalom és az Osztrák-Magyar Monarchia jelentős befolyást gyakorolt a vizsgált korszakok és terület építészetére. Következésképp a területen a tárgyalt időszakokban a helyitől viszonylag eltérő, globális léptékű kultúra hatása vizsgálható, regionális összefüggésben. Ez az aspektus az építészettörténet aktuális kérdéseihez vezet: miként befolyásolja a regionális és globális építészeti tendenciák és tulajdonságok kölcsönhatása, valamint a központ, a félperiféria és a periféria kapcsolata az építészeti folyamatok vizsgálatát és az egyedi értékek megőrzését. Az esettanulmányok vizsgálatával a tanulmány az építészeti transzfer és az építészeti export kategóriáit vezeti be. A szerzők szándéka, hogy írásukkal további példákat bemutató diskurzust ösztönözzenek. Was wir heute Architekturgeschichte nennen, ist die bauliche Manifestation einer Vielzahl von Faktoren, die auf den vielschichtigen Entstehungsprozess von historischen Gebäuden Einfluss genommen haben. Einer dieser Einflussfaktoren ist der Architekturtransfer, im Sinne eines Austausches von Wissen über das Bauen, der zwischen Regionen, Ländern und Kontinenten wirksam war. Durch diese Erweiterung des Aktionsradius wurde die Wirksamkeit von Architektur in der Baugeschichte vom Regionalen zum Überregionalen vergrößert, ab dem 17. Jh. gar zum Globalen expandiert. Im Rahmen des vorgelegten Artikels kann das Thema nicht umfassend und abschließend aufgearbeitet werden. Vielmehr soll das Phänomen an Fallstudien aus drei verschiedenen Zeitepochen (Römische Bauten 1–5. Jh., Osmanische Bauten 16–17 Jh. und Industriegebäude 19–20. Jh.) des geografisch klar umgrenzten Gebietes der Pannonischen Tiefebene angesprochen und zur Diskussion gestellt werden. Ausgangspunkt der Überlegung ist die Frage, ob der Architekturtransfer hinsichtlich seiner Motivation und seines Mechanismus vom Architekturexport zu unterscheiden ist, oder dieser lediglich eine Variation des Transfers darstellt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article summarizes the results of research by Czech ethnologists and sociocultural anthropologists on groups of Czech compatriots in the Balkans. The first part of the text is a short introduction to the issue, where the reader learns about the historical context, locations and circumstances of the formation of Czech compatriot groups. The following text is structured into three parts, which are defined by major historical events that have significantly influenced Czech society and Czech social sciences. The main aim of this article is to provide the reader with an overview of the key research papers that deal with the topic of compatriots in the Balkans. Furthermore, it will summarize and briefly assess the trends and methods that were a typical for the period. An important part of this text is the accompanying list of literature, which is a (selective) selection of the most important research papers of Czech ethnologists and anthropologists on compatriots in the Balkans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macroeconomic stability is one of the important factors influencing the growth and development of national economies in today's modern global economy. Economic policy should create conditions for macroeconomic stability and economic growth based on increased investment, exports, savings, productivity, and competitiveness, while reducing macroeconomic imbalances, especially the fiscal deficit, inflation, and the current account deficit. In order to achieve macroeconomic stability, as well as sustainable economic growth, it is important to pursue a rational economic policy and carry out accelerated structural reforms. The main objective of the paper is to analyze the impact of key indicators, i.e., export and import of goods and services and FDI on economic growth of the Western Balkans countries. Such an analysis is important to show the state of the economy and predict its stability. The research focuses on the countries of the Western Balkans, while the analysis uses secondary data from the UNCTAD database for the period 2011-2020. The research results indicate that Serbia is progressing much faster than other countries of the Western Balkans. In the coming period, a growth trend can be expected in all Western Balkan countries, which will result in better economic development and increasing openness to new investments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of new technologies is considered a revolution because it has interconnected micro and macro cultures, has influenced socio-economic developments, and is gradually transferring our social life to the virtual one. Today, life without information technology is unimaginable and every communication is done through new technologies. On the other hand, the privacy and misuse of personal data are directly endangering personal freedom. The Balkan countries are as well part of this technological development but are also heavily challenged by different unidentified risks. Kosovo has a young population and is considered to have the youngest population in Europe. About 96.4% of households have access to the internet. This paper aims to analyze the development of new technologies in societies in transition, especially in Kosovo, the challenges, the issue of privacy, and the future of information technology. The methodology applied within this paper is the study of literature and the development of qualitative research. The findings demonstrate that Kosovo has quickly embraced information technology, digitized its public services, and installed some of the region's most cutting-edge technologies, such as 3D printers, but it is also highly vulnerable to cyber-attacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: This paper uses the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to explain entrepreneurial intentions (EIs) among students from different South-East (SE) European countries, considering various personal and situational variables. The authors examine how the regional cultural context affects individual perceptions and beliefs about entrepreneurship, which in turn form the basis of the cognitive antecedents of the TPB model. Design/methodology/approach: Using a sample of 850 respondents, the authors estimate a two-level model, addressing the issue of endogeneity in the relationship between attitudes and beliefs and the respondents' EI. Specifically, the authors focus on heterogeneity across nations in attitudes toward entrepreneurial behavior (ATEB), subjective norms (SN) and perceived behavioral control (PBC). Findings: The results show that the perceived behavioral control and the attitude toward entrepreneurial behavior are the main determinants of Balkan students' EI. The authors find that the role of SE European culture in entrepreneurship intentions does not follow the Western pattern. In this particular regional environment dominated by collectivist culture, students' EIs are influenced more by cooperation, caring for others and other non-monetary benefits. Research limitations/implications: Like any study, this study has limitations. First, all the variables were measured using a single questionnaire. Although common method bias was shown not to be an issue, in future research different variables should be measured with different methods. For instance, using the items by Liñán and Chen (2009) which were developed in the United States of America, to measure SE European students' entrepreneurial perceived behavioral control might ignore some requisite resources or abilities typical for SE European students, such as personal relational network (similar to the notion of guanxi in China (see, e.g. Hwang et al., 2009). Second, Busenitz et al. (2000) indicate that cross-national differences in entrepreneurship are best explained by a broader set of institutions, i.e. educational and governmental support agencies. In general, the empirical evidence on the relationship between national culture and entrepreneurial behavior is mixed and this is generally agreed that an important issue that needs to be considered is the interactions between cultural values, social institutions, industry characteristics and outcomes such as entrepreneurship (Hayton et al., 2002). In the future, similar studies could include respondents with a larger dispersion of prior education, age, and human, social and financial capital. Practical implications: The existence of support received in the family environment and the lack of individualistic and competitive aspirations create a more favorable environment for a young person to become entrepreneur. This must be taken seriously into account by educators and policy makers aiming at encouraging entrepreneurship, because in the societies studied here the motivation of prospective entrepreneurs depends on totally different drivers than those usually encountered in the Western world. Furthermore, from a gender perspective, the authors' study suggests that in societies with stronger family ties and more gender discrimination, an individual's closer social environment may not create the appropriate context for women to decide to become entrepreneurs. Social implications: A strong hierarchical culture in a society goes against the intention of becoming an entrepreneur. That is, when people accept that social mobility is low and, thus, reversing people's relative positions in the society is unlikely, people are less prone to becoming entrepreneurs. In Western societies, where collectivism is low, the contrary holds. In the societies considered here, where family and social links are strong, entrepreneurship is considered to be a rather safer option, which is encouraged by non-individualistic values and is negatively associated with aggressive competitiveness. In those societies, formal institutions such as the government and the educational sector could play an important role to support prospective female entrepreneurs (Borges et al., 2021). Originality/value: The motivation of prospective entrepreneurs in SE European countries depends on totally different drivers than those usually encountered in the Western world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whistleblowing, as concept covering the institutional dimension and its practical manifestations, took different forms in the Western Balkans. Using a rational choice institutionalist definition of Europeanization, the research explores the conceptual framework of whistleblowing and the protection of whistleblowers as an underlining element of rule of law in the European Union. Subsequently, the paper presents the evolution of whistleblowing as element of EU's conditionality in relation to the Western Balkan countries, describing the events, the stakeholders and the role played by EU's conditionality in adopting whistleblowing laws. Case studies covering Serbia, Albania and Kosovo, as three states in different stages of accession to the European Union, analyze the evolution of legislation that ensure the protection of whistleblowers, the timeframe ranging differently for each country due to the moment they first adopted such legislation, searching to understand the role played by European Union's institutions in shaping the development and adoption processes of such legislation. Finally, the paper uses rational choice institutionalism to explain the dynamics within the principal-agent relation and why, as confirmed in literature, certain reforms are not lasting if they do not include elements to enhance their role within the society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world is not any longer as it used to be before the Russian aggression in Ukraine, was the dominant political statement as the war started. war in Ukraine is the most impactful development in post-Soviet international relations and security arrangements in Europe and beyond. Based on the multifaceted impact it had, it can be considered of a global impact. It affected the post-war international order foundations, driving states' and great powers' behaviour changes to reconsider their foreign policy, geo-political and geostrategic objectives. The same can be claimed about the major powers' policies towards the Western Balkans. The Russian assertive and aggressive behaviour, the US further commitment, and the EU revival of the enlargement policy. The paper aims to look at the impact of the war in Ukraine in the Western Balkans as a region and at individual countries. It will try to explore how such developments pushed the major power present in the region, the EU, the US, and Russia to reconsider their policies towards the region, and how this impacted the foreign policies of the Western Ballkan states in turn? The paper will be based on secondary sources, policy papers, documents, reports, media news, and other relevant sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]