Eastern European Journal of Regional Studies
ISSN: 2537-6179 | e-ISSN: 1857-436X
Volume 5 | Issue 2 | DECEMBER 2019

The relationship between institutions and trade, empirical analysis from the Republic of Moldova case

Author: Ion MUȘCHEI

Abstract: Starting from the fact that the Republic of Moldova has signed the Association Agreement with the European Union and moreover creates a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, the current paper aims to analyse the relationship between institutions and trade. The existing theory of institutionalism pointed out that country with the same level of institutions tend to trade more and also trade might produce institutional change. Based on a mix of methods analyses like reports, data and survey, this paper concludes that the correlation between institution and trade in this case is law. This is relevant because in this way we can change, enrich or enhance the strategy of the EU towards Eastern countries especially the Republic of Moldova.

Keywords: Formal institutions, Trade, the European Union, Republic of Moldova.

Pages: 4-23 | Full text (PDF)


The Aftermath of the “Velvet Revolution”: Armenia Between Domestic Change and Foreign Policy Continuity

Authors: Aram TERZYAN

Abstract: This article focuses on the aftermath of the 2018 “Velvet Revolution” in Armenia by investigating the relationship between domestic change and foreign policy. It highlights the challenges of foreign policy breakthroughs, leading to a Russian-European balance, as well as to breaking the logjam in the troubled neighborhood. It contends that domestic change in Armenia has not produced trickle-down effects on its broader foreign policy landscape. Yet, the study does not fall prey to the reductionism of structural constraints and offers a more dynamic structure - agency interplay approach to accounting for change - continuity relationship in post-revolution Armenian politics. The case study of Armenia contributes to a better understanding of the interplay between domestic politics and foreign policy in small states in the contested neighbourhood between assertive Russia and constrained European Union (EU).

Keywords: "Velvet Revolution", Armenia, Russia, Eurasian Integration, authoritarian resistance, European Union, CEPA, Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

Pages: 24-43 | Full text (PDF)


EU’s Trade Policy Developments and Economic Dimension of EU-Georgia Association Agreement

Author: Emir ETERIA

Abstract: EU-Georgia Association Agreement (AA), with its integral part on Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), has been regarded as the best opportunity for Georgia to promote exports to the EU and increase investment attractiveness of the country. Georgia’s benefits from AA/DCFTA directly depend on consistency of reforms as well as on the speed and degree of legal approximation and regulatory convergence with the EU, which would support growth of Georgia’s exports to the EU as well as attractiveness of Georgia for investments from the EU member states. However, after 5 years since the provisional application positive effects of the Association Agreement on trade and investment performance are not significant. As conducted study demonstrates, despite some encouraging developments in the EU-Georgia trade relations after enactment of the Association Agreement, in 2015-2018 (post-AA/DCFTA period) annual average growth rates of Georgia’s exports to the EU and investments from the EU countries to Georgia compared to 2011-2014 (pre-AA/DCFTA period) decreased. It is clear, that already achieved progress in implementation of the Association Agreement is not sufficient for export and investment promotion and Georgia should continue reforms in all areas, envisaged by the Association Agreement. Moreover, it is high time to grant Georgia the EU membership perspective and/or advance Georgia towards membership of the European Economic Area (EEA), which will be additional incentive for the effective implementation of the European Integration related reforms.

Keywords: Association Agreement, Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, EU, Georgia, Trade, Investments.

Pages: 44-59 | Full text (PDF)


The Human - Universal Paradigm in Knowledge and Human Activity (Security Aspects)

Author: Ion SÎRBU

Abstract: The era of globalization involves interactions and inter-state and inter-human relations of all types, including economic ones. An important place among them also belongs to the cross-border ones. The paradigm is the model, the dominant aspect in science and the knowledge of a certain period of time or epoch. There are particular paradigms, specific to one or another science, to one or another domain. There are also general or universal paradigms, such as ecological and communication ones. The human paradigm is, however, the most universal one, as it manifests itself in all spheres and fields of human activity and practice, including economics. The whole practice and knowledge, according to the universal paradigm of humanity, must be directed towards ensuring the security and survival of humans, society and nature. The true human is the person with a high and permanent morality and moral behavior. Namely, Man is the supreme value for man and for this reason today, while being in danger, he has become the most important global problem, which practically includes in itself all other problems. The universal paradigm of humanity is compulsory even for the fields of medicine, military and force spheres. It occupies a special place in the real economy and economic science.

Keywords: Human practice, survival, human security, science, economic science, cross-border activities, universal paradigm, Human.

Pages: 60-69 | Full text (PDF)


Impact of Development on Professional Activity

Author: Viorelia LUNGU

Abstract: In this article, we analyze some economic and social trends that influence our activity in the workplace. The development of information and economic technologies causes changes with reference to the appearance of new professions in the labor market. With the entry into the era of artificial intelligence, many jobs will be created, others will disappear, or they will undergo transformations. In order to cope with these tendencies, the person needs to have emotional, economic and social intelligence. The objective of the present paper is to highlight the need for change and the development of skills that are fundamentally essential in order to form future resources and possibilities.

Keywords: development, emotional intelligence, economic intelligence, social intelligence.

Pages: 70-80 | Full text (PDF)


Possibilities of Continuous Improvement of Budgets by the Kaizen Method in the Current Context

Author: Svetlana MIHAILA, Galina BĂDICU, Nicolai JIERI

Abstract: Stimulating the tendencies of integration of the Republic of Moldova in the world economy requires the indigenous entities to continue to be efficient, competitive, very operative, but also sustainable, given that obtaining long-term positive financial results depends on sustainability. In order to guide their actions, the entities request information on the activity carried out, in which the most important place is the budget. In this article, the authors are describing the Kaizen method - a Japanese concept which assume continuous improvement of the processes and budgets. The importance of budgeting method consists in efficiency of application, not just in performance of it. Once the company has selected a method of budgeting it should to make sure that this instrument is applicable and in concordance with its necessities. The investigation methodology includes fundamental approaches regarding the possibility of applying the Kaizen method in the local entities. Thus, the dialectical method was used with its fundamental elements. The methodology and recommendations formulated can serve as a support for managers in order to sustainably improve the results from the long-term improvement of the work process. This means full and active involvement in the Kaizen process of employees at all levels, naturally developing a sense of ownership and self-discipline.

Keywords: kaizen, budget, efficiency, performance, improvement, European integration.

Pages: 81-99 | Full text (PDF)


European Union - Eap - Moldova. Reflections on the Perspectives of the Emergence of Transnational Justice on Anti-Corruption and Anti-Fraud Dimension

Author: Andrei PÂNTEA, Serghei PÂNTEA

Abstract: This research analyzes comprehensively the perspectives of the emergence of European transnational justice on the anti-corruption and anti-fraud dimension. Following the analysis of jurisprudence, the normative framework, trends and historical evolution, both in the member states of the European Union, in their relation with the institutions of the Union, as well as the relation of the Union with the third states, it is considered that the involvement, or the interest of supranational institutions, as well as of the Union as a whole, for the defense of its financial interests is inevitable. The involvement through the financing of the various projects, the allocation of different funds or, as a generic category, their management, will be closely monitored. When elaborating on the findings and conclusions, the emphasis was placed on analysis and synthesis, forecasting method, and in some aspects, it was attempted to extrapolate, or to extend in the future, the dynamics and expected results, with emphasis on investigations in third countries, within the meaning of the conventional framework. The theoretical and scientific support of the paper is extensive, applying the logical, historical, comparative and systemic methods of research.

Keywords: Justice, criminal proceedings, investigations, prosecution, safeguards, EPPO

Pages: 100-119 | Full text (PDF)