Suchergebnisse

The global outbreak of the COVID-19 virus has caused a major crisis affecting the population, economies and health systems. Travelling restrictions, suspended business activities, lack of healthcare measures and loss of revenue are linked to the effects of the COVID-19 crisis. The pandemic impacted increase of unemployment, decrease of exports and imports as well as negative changes in consumer pricing and number of bankruptcies. COVID-19 has affected not only economic activities but also had a strong impact on human health with a high number of deaths. Global COVID-19 crisis management included tax and public protection measures, the application of fiscal policy also played an important role. Fiscal measures adopted to manage the consequences of the pandemic included wage support, business assistance, tax deferrals, social benefits for the most vulnerable groups of population. Fiscal policy measures applied by the states, depended on the epidemiological situation in the country, country capacities and identified priority areas. The scientific research articles summarizes national actions and measures which were applied to reduce the consequences of COVID-19, as well as analyzes the relevance of fiscal policy. After completing the analysis of the scientific sources, the aim of this final project was identified to be the – investigation of the impact of fiscal measures in order to reduce the effects of COVID-19. The object of the research – fiscal policy measures in the context of COVID-19. COVID-19 virus spread worldwide at the end of the 1st quarter of 2020. Currently recorded over a million deaths caused by the virus. Analysis of statistical data showed significant increase in unemployment in the second quarter of 2020. Also, the volume of imports and exports decreased significantly. The increase in bankruptcies was also noticeable but at the same time new companies were emerging. The world's authorities have actively responded to the spread of the virus and taken urgent actions. The IMF provided financial assistance to the countries affected by the pandemic, the EU took steps to ensure population health protection, measures to stop the spread of the virus, disinformation and supported development of vaccines (Goniewicz et al. 2020). Fiscal policy is implemented through the government expenditure and use of revenue to influence the economy (IMF, 2020). The importance of fiscal policy has become apparent during the recent financial crisis, when countries have taken steps to increase spending and cut taxes to suspend the effects of the crisis. In the case of the COVID-19 crisis, the focus is on health care, income maintenance and the provision of social benefits and business support. Researches shown that fiscal policy based on increase in government spending is most appropriate for analyzing GDP, debt-to-GDP ratios, deficit-to-GDP ratios. Also, analyzing the changes in Lithuanian real estate prices, it is assumed that the fiscal measures adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on the smaller decline of housing prices. In the United States, fiscal measures focused on unemployment insurance, unconditional benefits and liquidity-providing measures are expected to have had the greatest impact on COVID-19 crisis management. After analysis of scientific resources was decided to analyze the effectiveness of fiscal policy measures applied during the COVID-19 crisis. After assessing the limitations of the study, the analysis is performed taking Lithuania for a case study, analyzing household consumption and long-term loan interests and their reaction to the COVID-19 economic stimulus measures. The study showed that household consumption was significantly affected by the "Plan of Measures for Economic Stimulation and Mitigation of the Spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19)", identified in 2nd aim content. Without appropriate economic stimulus measures, household consumption would be lower by about 14% in the 2nd quarter of 2020, lower by about 3% in the 3rd quarter of 2020 and lower by 4.4% in the last quarter of 2020. Analyzing the changes in long-term loan interest rates, it is assumed that this indicator changes can be explained by social benefits and liquidity ratios, therefore, without the application of these economic stimulus measures, long-term loan interest rates would be 177% lower (-0.2%) in the 2nd quarter of 2020. In the 3rd quarter of 2020, long-term loan interest rates would reach -0.39%, and in the last quarter would reach -0.02%. Thus, household consumption and long-term loan interest rates are significantly affected by the 2nd and 3rd aims of the COVID-19 consequence reduction plan prepared by Lithuania, which seeks to preserve income of the population and help businesses to maintain liquidity. In terms of global analysis, there was decided to analyze COVID-19 fiscal plans in other countries. The analysis of the fiscal plans revealed that Germany accounted for the largest share of fiscal measures (30% GDP), Sweden (16% of GDP), Austria (about 13% of GDP), France (10% of GDP). Analyzing the structure of fiscal plans, it is assumed that the largest amount of funds is allocated for business assistance, and the smaller part – for population. In the case of Lithuania, the study showed that measures to preserve the income of the population have the greatest impact on changes in household consumption. Greece (around 2% of GDP) and France (around 1.4% of GDP) accounted for the largest share of funds allocated to the population. Long-term loan interest rates are significantly affected by measures supporting business and the population. In Germany, France, Finland, Lithuania, Sweden, Austria and Greece most funds were allocated to businesses. The research has shown that the economic stimulus measures put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic did not stop the negative developments in household consumption and long-term loan interest rates. However, the applied measures mitigated the impact to the analyzed indicators throughout the COVID-19 period.

The global outbreak of the COVID-19 virus has caused a major crisis affecting the population, economies and health systems. Travelling restrictions, suspended business activities, lack of healthcare measures and loss of revenue are linked to the effects of the COVID-19 crisis. The pandemic impacted increase of unemployment, decrease of exports and imports as well as negative changes in consumer pricing and number of bankruptcies. COVID-19 has affected not only economic activities but also had a strong impact on human health with a high number of deaths. Global COVID-19 crisis management included tax and public protection measures, the application of fiscal policy also played an important role. Fiscal measures adopted to manage the consequences of the pandemic included wage support, business assistance, tax deferrals, social benefits for the most vulnerable groups of population. Fiscal policy measures applied by the states, depended on the epidemiological situation in the country, country capacities and identified priority areas. The scientific research articles summarizes national actions and measures which were applied to reduce the consequences of COVID-19, as well as analyzes the relevance of fiscal policy. After completing the analysis of the scientific sources, the aim of this final project was identified to be the – investigation of the impact of fiscal measures in order to reduce the effects of COVID-19. The object of the research – fiscal policy measures in the context of COVID-19. COVID-19 virus spread worldwide at the end of the 1st quarter of 2020. Currently recorded over a million deaths caused by the virus. Analysis of statistical data showed significant increase in unemployment in the second quarter of 2020. Also, the volume of imports and exports decreased significantly. The increase in bankruptcies was also noticeable but at the same time new companies were emerging. The world's authorities have actively responded to the spread of the virus and taken urgent actions. The IMF provided financial assistance to the countries affected by the pandemic, the EU took steps to ensure population health protection, measures to stop the spread of the virus, disinformation and supported development of vaccines (Goniewicz et al. 2020). Fiscal policy is implemented through the government expenditure and use of revenue to influence the economy (IMF, 2020). The importance of fiscal policy has become apparent during the recent financial crisis, when countries have taken steps to increase spending and cut taxes to suspend the effects of the crisis. In the case of the COVID-19 crisis, the focus is on health care, income maintenance and the provision of social benefits and business support. Researches shown that fiscal policy based on increase in government spending is most appropriate for analyzing GDP, debt-to-GDP ratios, deficit-to-GDP ratios. Also, analyzing the changes in Lithuanian real estate prices, it is assumed that the fiscal measures adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on the smaller decline of housing prices. In the United States, fiscal measures focused on unemployment insurance, unconditional benefits and liquidity-providing measures are expected to have had the greatest impact on COVID-19 crisis management. After analysis of scientific resources was decided to analyze the effectiveness of fiscal policy measures applied during the COVID-19 crisis. After assessing the limitations of the study, the analysis is performed taking Lithuania for a case study, analyzing household consumption and long-term loan interests and their reaction to the COVID-19 economic stimulus measures. The study showed that household consumption was significantly affected by the "Plan of Measures for Economic Stimulation and Mitigation of the Spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19)", identified in 2nd aim content. Without appropriate economic stimulus measures, household consumption would be lower by about 14% in the 2nd quarter of 2020, lower by about 3% in the 3rd quarter of 2020 and lower by 4.4% in the last quarter of 2020. Analyzing the changes in long-term loan interest rates, it is assumed that this indicator changes can be explained by social benefits and liquidity ratios, therefore, without the application of these economic stimulus measures, long-term loan interest rates would be 177% lower (-0.2%) in the 2nd quarter of 2020. In the 3rd quarter of 2020, long-term loan interest rates would reach -0.39%, and in the last quarter would reach -0.02%. Thus, household consumption and long-term loan interest rates are significantly affected by the 2nd and 3rd aims of the COVID-19 consequence reduction plan prepared by Lithuania, which seeks to preserve income of the population and help businesses to maintain liquidity. In terms of global analysis, there was decided to analyze COVID-19 fiscal plans in other countries. The analysis of the fiscal plans revealed that Germany accounted for the largest share of fiscal measures (30% GDP), Sweden (16% of GDP), Austria (about 13% of GDP), France (10% of GDP). Analyzing the structure of fiscal plans, it is assumed that the largest amount of funds is allocated for business assistance, and the smaller part – for population. In the case of Lithuania, the study showed that measures to preserve the income of the population have the greatest impact on changes in household consumption. Greece (around 2% of GDP) and France (around 1.4% of GDP) accounted for the largest share of funds allocated to the population. Long-term loan interest rates are significantly affected by measures supporting business and the population. In Germany, France, Finland, Lithuania, Sweden, Austria and Greece most funds were allocated to businesses. The research has shown that the economic stimulus measures put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic did not stop the negative developments in household consumption and long-term loan interest rates. However, the applied measures mitigated the impact to the analyzed indicators throughout the COVID-19 period.

The global outbreak of the COVID-19 virus has caused a major crisis affecting the population, economies and health systems. Travelling restrictions, suspended business activities, lack of healthcare measures and loss of revenue are linked to the effects of the COVID-19 crisis. The pandemic impacted increase of unemployment, decrease of exports and imports as well as negative changes in consumer pricing and number of bankruptcies. COVID-19 has affected not only economic activities but also had a strong impact on human health with a high number of deaths. Global COVID-19 crisis management included tax and public protection measures, the application of fiscal policy also played an important role. Fiscal measures adopted to manage the consequences of the pandemic included wage support, business assistance, tax deferrals, social benefits for the most vulnerable groups of population. Fiscal policy measures applied by the states, depended on the epidemiological situation in the country, country capacities and identified priority areas. The scientific research articles summarizes national actions and measures which were applied to reduce the consequences of COVID-19, as well as analyzes the relevance of fiscal policy. After completing the analysis of the scientific sources, the aim of this final project was identified to be the – investigation of the impact of fiscal measures in order to reduce the effects of COVID-19. The object of the research – fiscal policy measures in the context of COVID-19. COVID-19 virus spread worldwide at the end of the 1st quarter of 2020. Currently recorded over a million deaths caused by the virus. Analysis of statistical data showed significant increase in unemployment in the second quarter of 2020. Also, the volume of imports and exports decreased significantly. The increase in bankruptcies was also noticeable but at the same time new companies were emerging. The world's authorities have actively responded to the spread of the virus and taken urgent actions. The IMF provided financial assistance to the countries affected by the pandemic, the EU took steps to ensure population health protection, measures to stop the spread of the virus, disinformation and supported development of vaccines (Goniewicz et al. 2020). Fiscal policy is implemented through the government expenditure and use of revenue to influence the economy (IMF, 2020). The importance of fiscal policy has become apparent during the recent financial crisis, when countries have taken steps to increase spending and cut taxes to suspend the effects of the crisis. In the case of the COVID-19 crisis, the focus is on health care, income maintenance and the provision of social benefits and business support. Researches shown that fiscal policy based on increase in government spending is most appropriate for analyzing GDP, debt-to-GDP ratios, deficit-to-GDP ratios. Also, analyzing the changes in Lithuanian real estate prices, it is assumed that the fiscal measures adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on the smaller decline of housing prices. In the United States, fiscal measures focused on unemployment insurance, unconditional benefits and liquidity-providing measures are expected to have had the greatest impact on COVID-19 crisis management. After analysis of scientific resources was decided to analyze the effectiveness of fiscal policy measures applied during the COVID-19 crisis. After assessing the limitations of the study, the analysis is performed taking Lithuania for a case study, analyzing household consumption and long-term loan interests and their reaction to the COVID-19 economic stimulus measures. The study showed that household consumption was significantly affected by the "Plan of Measures for Economic Stimulation and Mitigation of the Spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19)", identified in 2nd aim content. Without appropriate economic stimulus measures, household consumption would be lower by about 14% in the 2nd quarter of 2020, lower by about 3% in the 3rd quarter of 2020 and lower by 4.4% in the last quarter of 2020. Analyzing the changes in long-term loan interest rates, it is assumed that this indicator changes can be explained by social benefits and liquidity ratios, therefore, without the application of these economic stimulus measures, long-term loan interest rates would be 177% lower (-0.2%) in the 2nd quarter of 2020. In the 3rd quarter of 2020, long-term loan interest rates would reach -0.39%, and in the last quarter would reach -0.02%. Thus, household consumption and long-term loan interest rates are significantly affected by the 2nd and 3rd aims of the COVID-19 consequence reduction plan prepared by Lithuania, which seeks to preserve income of the population and help businesses to maintain liquidity. In terms of global analysis, there was decided to analyze COVID-19 fiscal plans in other countries. The analysis of the fiscal plans revealed that Germany accounted for the largest share of fiscal measures (30% GDP), Sweden (16% of GDP), Austria (about 13% of GDP), France (10% of GDP). Analyzing the structure of fiscal plans, it is assumed that the largest amount of funds is allocated for business assistance, and the smaller part – for population. In the case of Lithuania, the study showed that measures to preserve the income of the population have the greatest impact on changes in household consumption. Greece (around 2% of GDP) and France (around 1.4% of GDP) accounted for the largest share of funds allocated to the population. Long-term loan interest rates are significantly affected by measures supporting business and the population. In Germany, France, Finland, Lithuania, Sweden, Austria and Greece most funds were allocated to businesses. The research has shown that the economic stimulus measures put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic did not stop the negative developments in household consumption and long-term loan interest rates. However, the applied measures mitigated the impact to the analyzed indicators throughout the COVID-19 period.

The relevance of this Master thesis is that Covid-19 pandemic, which has been announced by WHO (World Health Organisation) on the 30th of March, 2020, has caused blockages in all economic sectors, but tourism is the most extremely affected. It is difficult to estimate the real impact of the pandemic on international tourism. According to UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization), prior to the pandemic, tourism sector generated 10% of global GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and accounted for 1 in 10 jobs worldwide. Quarantine measures, flight cancellations, bans and border closures are expected to significantly reduce tourism for several years ahead. Every country in the world has been affected by the pandemics, including Lithuania. This article presents the effects caused by the Covid-19 pandemic on the tourism sector in Lithuania, particulary on tour operators and travel agencies. Tourism is a fast changing industry which depends on many external and internal factors, which have been analysed in the first part of this thesis. These are economical, political and social factors, although highly competitive market and fast changes during the pandemics obliged tour operators and travel agencies to look for new ways and better solutions to create value for their customers and to stay competitive in the market. The aim of this work is to look at the perspectives of tour operators in an outgoing tourism market in Lithuania through the analysis of tour operators and travellers and to suggest the possibilities for its further successful development. The research methodology consists of scientific literature, documentary and statistical data, regarding the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the tourism sector, analysis, also qualitative research of 6 largest tour operators in Lithuania, quantitative research of travellers in Lithuania and the entification of both results. The results underline that Covid-19 pandemic has affected both tourism industry segments for more then 80%. Further along, business development theory and its strategy, strategic possibilities and competitiveness are being analysed, as well as business model and tourism concepts are being suggested. The results of both surveys are presented accordingly. At the end of this thesis conclusions and suggestions of business development strategies for tour operators are introduced.

The relevance of this Master thesis is that Covid-19 pandemic, which has been announced by WHO (World Health Organisation) on the 30th of March, 2020, has caused blockages in all economic sectors, but tourism is the most extremely affected. It is difficult to estimate the real impact of the pandemic on international tourism. According to UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization), prior to the pandemic, tourism sector generated 10% of global GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and accounted for 1 in 10 jobs worldwide. Quarantine measures, flight cancellations, bans and border closures are expected to significantly reduce tourism for several years ahead. Every country in the world has been affected by the pandemics, including Lithuania. This article presents the effects caused by the Covid-19 pandemic on the tourism sector in Lithuania, particulary on tour operators and travel agencies. Tourism is a fast changing industry which depends on many external and internal factors, which have been analysed in the first part of this thesis. These are economical, political and social factors, although highly competitive market and fast changes during the pandemics obliged tour operators and travel agencies to look for new ways and better solutions to create value for their customers and to stay competitive in the market. The aim of this work is to look at the perspectives of tour operators in an outgoing tourism market in Lithuania through the analysis of tour operators and travellers and to suggest the possibilities for its further successful development. The research methodology consists of scientific literature, documentary and statistical data, regarding the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the tourism sector, analysis, also qualitative research of 6 largest tour operators in Lithuania, quantitative research of travellers in Lithuania and the entification of both results. The results underline that Covid-19 pandemic has affected both tourism industry segments for more then 80%. Further along, business development theory and its strategy, strategic possibilities and competitiveness are being analysed, as well as business model and tourism concepts are being suggested. The results of both surveys are presented accordingly. At the end of this thesis conclusions and suggestions of business development strategies for tour operators are introduced.

The relevance of this Master thesis is that Covid-19 pandemic, which has been announced by WHO (World Health Organisation) on the 30th of March, 2020, has caused blockages in all economic sectors, but tourism is the most extremely affected. It is difficult to estimate the real impact of the pandemic on international tourism. According to UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization), prior to the pandemic, tourism sector generated 10% of global GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and accounted for 1 in 10 jobs worldwide. Quarantine measures, flight cancellations, bans and border closures are expected to significantly reduce tourism for several years ahead. Every country in the world has been affected by the pandemics, including Lithuania. This article presents the effects caused by the Covid-19 pandemic on the tourism sector in Lithuania, particulary on tour operators and travel agencies. Tourism is a fast changing industry which depends on many external and internal factors, which have been analysed in the first part of this thesis. These are economical, political and social factors, although highly competitive market and fast changes during the pandemics obliged tour operators and travel agencies to look for new ways and better solutions to create value for their customers and to stay competitive in the market. The aim of this work is to look at the perspectives of tour operators in an outgoing tourism market in Lithuania through the analysis of tour operators and travellers and to suggest the possibilities for its further successful development. The research methodology consists of scientific literature, documentary and statistical data, regarding the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the tourism sector, analysis, also qualitative research of 6 largest tour operators in Lithuania, quantitative research of travellers in Lithuania and the entification of both results. The results underline that Covid-19 pandemic has affected both tourism industry segments for more then 80%. Further along, business development theory and its strategy, strategic possibilities and competitiveness are being analysed, as well as business model and tourism concepts are being suggested. The results of both surveys are presented accordingly. At the end of this thesis conclusions and suggestions of business development strategies for tour operators are introduced.

The relevance of this Master thesis is that Covid-19 pandemic, which has been announced by WHO (World Health Organisation) on the 30th of March, 2020, has caused blockages in all economic sectors, but tourism is the most extremely affected. It is difficult to estimate the real impact of the pandemic on international tourism. According to UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization), prior to the pandemic, tourism sector generated 10% of global GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and accounted for 1 in 10 jobs worldwide. Quarantine measures, flight cancellations, bans and border closures are expected to significantly reduce tourism for several years ahead. Every country in the world has been affected by the pandemics, including Lithuania. This article presents the effects caused by the Covid-19 pandemic on the tourism sector in Lithuania, particulary on tour operators and travel agencies. Tourism is a fast changing industry which depends on many external and internal factors, which have been analysed in the first part of this thesis. These are economical, political and social factors, although highly competitive market and fast changes during the pandemics obliged tour operators and travel agencies to look for new ways and better solutions to create value for their customers and to stay competitive in the market. The aim of this work is to look at the perspectives of tour operators in an outgoing tourism market in Lithuania through the analysis of tour operators and travellers and to suggest the possibilities for its further successful development. The research methodology consists of scientific literature, documentary and statistical data, regarding the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the tourism sector, analysis, also qualitative research of 6 largest tour operators in Lithuania, quantitative research of travellers in Lithuania and the entification of both results. The results underline that Covid-19 pandemic has affected both tourism industry segments for more then 80%. Further along, business development theory and its strategy, strategic possibilities and competitiveness are being analysed, as well as business model and tourism concepts are being suggested. The results of both surveys are presented accordingly. At the end of this thesis conclusions and suggestions of business development strategies for tour operators are introduced.

Bilateral relations of Lithuania and Poland have had significant ups and downs since reestablishment of both of their independence after the fall of the Soviet Union. Reasons for these dramatic shifts are colourful and plentiful: ethnic tensions, hot and cold interpersonal relationships of the leaders, joint objective of Euroatlantic integration etc. However, the novel coronavirus pandemic has presented bilateral relations of these two countries with a variable never seen before. Hence, the objective of this Master's thesis research is the impact of COVID-19 pandemic to the strategic partnership of Lithuania and Poland. In this thesis, the object of analysis is theoretically approached from two different angles: in order to explore the effect of the pandemic to strategic partnership of Lithuania in Poland, one must be aware of its historic dynamic and current state. As is pointed out in this thesis, since 2015-2016, bilateral relations are experiencing a period of increased cooperation and more constructive rhetoric, due to new political leadership, common perceived enemy and strategic goals, among various other, less significant reasons. Furthermore, it is vital to grasp the role of International Relations theory in global health, and how the states, according to several classic theories, behave during the pandemic. In this regard, it is concluded, that the theory with the most to offer in explaining states' behaviour during a health crisis is the realist approach. That is precisely the reason why realism is employed as a theoretical basis of the research, which was carried out as a case study, employing qualitative-interpretative method. Taking from the notion of strategic partnership, found in Lithuanian and foreign literature, as well pandemical realism, 4 main qualitative dependent variables were derived: (1) bilateral relationship on a highest political level, as well as attempts to institutionalise them; (2) societal perceptions towards each other; (3) intensive interinstitutional, intersectoral and strategic cooperation; (4) the convergence of strategic goals. In order to achieve the objective, pivotal events were identified, public speaches of the leaders analysed, and various other data sources interpreted and secondary sources analysed. It was concluded that (1) the highest level political bilateral relations, which were, at least quantitavely speaking, on an upward trend, were not significantly affected by the COVID-19 crisis. The pandemic provided an opportunity to cooperate on the highest political level. (2) Societal, in this specific case – expert communities' perception of each other should not and could not be considered good or very good: Lithuanian experts rated Poland's response to the crisis as the poorest in EU27, while Polands experts did not rate Lithuania at all. (3) Although Lithuanian and Polish interinstitutional, intersectional cooperation and strategic infrastructural projects have flowed as per usual so far during the pandemic, however, some opportunities for cooperation were not seized. (4) No new strategic goals of Lithuania and Poland appeared on the agenda, and, by extention, no existing ones were dropped during the pandemic so far. It must be acknowledged, that the pandemic, directly or indirectly, helped widen, deepen and make some of the common strategic objectives more clear. All in all, this Master's thesis concludes that, while several historic "breaking points" of Lithuanain-Polish bilateral relationship, where previously stagnated or outright confrontational relations suddenly were improved and vice-versa, could be identified, however, COVID-19 pandemic so far has not been that. Moreover, as a result of the pandemic, no new strategically incompatible and problematic goals, neither for Lithuania, nor for Poland, were identified. It did, however, spawn a number of opportunities for an even closer cooperation between the two states, but they were not successfully seized.

Bilateral relations of Lithuania and Poland have had significant ups and downs since reestablishment of both of their independence after the fall of the Soviet Union. Reasons for these dramatic shifts are colourful and plentiful: ethnic tensions, hot and cold interpersonal relationships of the leaders, joint objective of Euroatlantic integration etc. However, the novel coronavirus pandemic has presented bilateral relations of these two countries with a variable never seen before. Hence, the objective of this Master's thesis research is the impact of COVID-19 pandemic to the strategic partnership of Lithuania and Poland. In this thesis, the object of analysis is theoretically approached from two different angles: in order to explore the effect of the pandemic to strategic partnership of Lithuania in Poland, one must be aware of its historic dynamic and current state. As is pointed out in this thesis, since 2015-2016, bilateral relations are experiencing a period of increased cooperation and more constructive rhetoric, due to new political leadership, common perceived enemy and strategic goals, among various other, less significant reasons. Furthermore, it is vital to grasp the role of International Relations theory in global health, and how the states, according to several classic theories, behave during the pandemic. In this regard, it is concluded, that the theory with the most to offer in explaining states' behaviour during a health crisis is the realist approach. That is precisely the reason why realism is employed as a theoretical basis of the research, which was carried out as a case study, employing qualitative-interpretative method. Taking from the notion of strategic partnership, found in Lithuanian and foreign literature, as well pandemical realism, 4 main qualitative dependent variables were derived: (1) bilateral relationship on a highest political level, as well as attempts to institutionalise them; (2) societal perceptions towards each other; (3) intensive interinstitutional, intersectoral and strategic cooperation; (4) the convergence of strategic goals. In order to achieve the objective, pivotal events were identified, public speaches of the leaders analysed, and various other data sources interpreted and secondary sources analysed. It was concluded that (1) the highest level political bilateral relations, which were, at least quantitavely speaking, on an upward trend, were not significantly affected by the COVID-19 crisis. The pandemic provided an opportunity to cooperate on the highest political level. (2) Societal, in this specific case – expert communities' perception of each other should not and could not be considered good or very good: Lithuanian experts rated Poland's response to the crisis as the poorest in EU27, while Polands experts did not rate Lithuania at all. (3) Although Lithuanian and Polish interinstitutional, intersectional cooperation and strategic infrastructural projects have flowed as per usual so far during the pandemic, however, some opportunities for cooperation were not seized. (4) No new strategic goals of Lithuania and Poland appeared on the agenda, and, by extention, no existing ones were dropped during the pandemic so far. It must be acknowledged, that the pandemic, directly or indirectly, helped widen, deepen and make some of the common strategic objectives more clear. All in all, this Master's thesis concludes that, while several historic "breaking points" of Lithuanain-Polish bilateral relationship, where previously stagnated or outright confrontational relations suddenly were improved and vice-versa, could be identified, however, COVID-19 pandemic so far has not been that. Moreover, as a result of the pandemic, no new strategically incompatible and problematic goals, neither for Lithuania, nor for Poland, were identified. It did, however, spawn a number of opportunities for an even closer cooperation between the two states, but they were not successfully seized.

Bilateral relations of Lithuania and Poland have had significant ups and downs since reestablishment of both of their independence after the fall of the Soviet Union. Reasons for these dramatic shifts are colourful and plentiful: ethnic tensions, hot and cold interpersonal relationships of the leaders, joint objective of Euroatlantic integration etc. However, the novel coronavirus pandemic has presented bilateral relations of these two countries with a variable never seen before. Hence, the objective of this Master's thesis research is the impact of COVID-19 pandemic to the strategic partnership of Lithuania and Poland. In this thesis, the object of analysis is theoretically approached from two different angles: in order to explore the effect of the pandemic to strategic partnership of Lithuania in Poland, one must be aware of its historic dynamic and current state. As is pointed out in this thesis, since 2015-2016, bilateral relations are experiencing a period of increased cooperation and more constructive rhetoric, due to new political leadership, common perceived enemy and strategic goals, among various other, less significant reasons. Furthermore, it is vital to grasp the role of International Relations theory in global health, and how the states, according to several classic theories, behave during the pandemic. In this regard, it is concluded, that the theory with the most to offer in explaining states' behaviour during a health crisis is the realist approach. That is precisely the reason why realism is employed as a theoretical basis of the research, which was carried out as a case study, employing qualitative-interpretative method. Taking from the notion of strategic partnership, found in Lithuanian and foreign literature, as well pandemical realism, 4 main qualitative dependent variables were derived: (1) bilateral relationship on a highest political level, as well as attempts to institutionalise them; (2) societal perceptions towards each other; (3) intensive interinstitutional, intersectoral and strategic cooperation; (4) the convergence of strategic goals. In order to achieve the objective, pivotal events were identified, public speaches of the leaders analysed, and various other data sources interpreted and secondary sources analysed. It was concluded that (1) the highest level political bilateral relations, which were, at least quantitavely speaking, on an upward trend, were not significantly affected by the COVID-19 crisis. The pandemic provided an opportunity to cooperate on the highest political level. (2) Societal, in this specific case – expert communities' perception of each other should not and could not be considered good or very good: Lithuanian experts rated Poland's response to the crisis as the poorest in EU27, while Polands experts did not rate Lithuania at all. (3) Although Lithuanian and Polish interinstitutional, intersectional cooperation and strategic infrastructural projects have flowed as per usual so far during the pandemic, however, some opportunities for cooperation were not seized. (4) No new strategic goals of Lithuania and Poland appeared on the agenda, and, by extention, no existing ones were dropped during the pandemic so far. It must be acknowledged, that the pandemic, directly or indirectly, helped widen, deepen and make some of the common strategic objectives more clear. All in all, this Master's thesis concludes that, while several historic "breaking points" of Lithuanain-Polish bilateral relationship, where previously stagnated or outright confrontational relations suddenly were improved and vice-versa, could be identified, however, COVID-19 pandemic so far has not been that. Moreover, as a result of the pandemic, no new strategically incompatible and problematic goals, neither for Lithuania, nor for Poland, were identified. It did, however, spawn a number of opportunities for an even closer cooperation between the two states, but they were not successfully seized.

Bilateral relations of Lithuania and Poland have had significant ups and downs since reestablishment of both of their independence after the fall of the Soviet Union. Reasons for these dramatic shifts are colourful and plentiful: ethnic tensions, hot and cold interpersonal relationships of the leaders, joint objective of Euroatlantic integration etc. However, the novel coronavirus pandemic has presented bilateral relations of these two countries with a variable never seen before. Hence, the objective of this Master's thesis research is the impact of COVID-19 pandemic to the strategic partnership of Lithuania and Poland. In this thesis, the object of analysis is theoretically approached from two different angles: in order to explore the effect of the pandemic to strategic partnership of Lithuania in Poland, one must be aware of its historic dynamic and current state. As is pointed out in this thesis, since 2015-2016, bilateral relations are experiencing a period of increased cooperation and more constructive rhetoric, due to new political leadership, common perceived enemy and strategic goals, among various other, less significant reasons. Furthermore, it is vital to grasp the role of International Relations theory in global health, and how the states, according to several classic theories, behave during the pandemic. In this regard, it is concluded, that the theory with the most to offer in explaining states' behaviour during a health crisis is the realist approach. That is precisely the reason why realism is employed as a theoretical basis of the research, which was carried out as a case study, employing qualitative-interpretative method. Taking from the notion of strategic partnership, found in Lithuanian and foreign literature, as well pandemical realism, 4 main qualitative dependent variables were derived: (1) bilateral relationship on a highest political level, as well as attempts to institutionalise them; (2) societal perceptions towards each other; (3) intensive interinstitutional, intersectoral and strategic cooperation; (4) the convergence of strategic goals. In order to achieve the objective, pivotal events were identified, public speaches of the leaders analysed, and various other data sources interpreted and secondary sources analysed. It was concluded that (1) the highest level political bilateral relations, which were, at least quantitavely speaking, on an upward trend, were not significantly affected by the COVID-19 crisis. The pandemic provided an opportunity to cooperate on the highest political level. (2) Societal, in this specific case – expert communities' perception of each other should not and could not be considered good or very good: Lithuanian experts rated Poland's response to the crisis as the poorest in EU27, while Polands experts did not rate Lithuania at all. (3) Although Lithuanian and Polish interinstitutional, intersectional cooperation and strategic infrastructural projects have flowed as per usual so far during the pandemic, however, some opportunities for cooperation were not seized. (4) No new strategic goals of Lithuania and Poland appeared on the agenda, and, by extention, no existing ones were dropped during the pandemic so far. It must be acknowledged, that the pandemic, directly or indirectly, helped widen, deepen and make some of the common strategic objectives more clear. All in all, this Master's thesis concludes that, while several historic "breaking points" of Lithuanain-Polish bilateral relationship, where previously stagnated or outright confrontational relations suddenly were improved and vice-versa, could be identified, however, COVID-19 pandemic so far has not been that. Moreover, as a result of the pandemic, no new strategically incompatible and problematic goals, neither for Lithuania, nor for Poland, were identified. It did, however, spawn a number of opportunities for an even closer cooperation between the two states, but they were not successfully seized.

Like burnout due to excessive work stress, parents also experience constant stress when raising their children, which leads to parental burnout. The COVID-19 pandemic that began worldwide in 2020 changed the daily living habits of all mankind. Parental unemployment, financial insecurity, low levels of social support from family and friends, and lack of leisure time during the pandemic significantly increased the risk of parental burnout. The aim of the research: to evaluate the signs of burnout of parents in Plungė district and their connections with well - being, lifestyle and social support. Research methods: In order to assess the signs of burnout of parents in Plungė district and their links with well-being, lifestyle and social support, a quantitative survey was conducted - a questionnaire survey. The survey of respondents was conducted by researchers from the Faculty of Health Sciences of Klaipeda University, in cooperation with researchers from Belgian and Dutch universities. All European Union countries participate in the study. The final work analyzes the results of the survey of respondents living in Plungė district. The research instrument consisted of 5 blocks of questions. The study involved 208 respondents living in Plungė district raising at least one child. Research results and conclusions. The parents of Plungė district studied in the study were characterized by a low level of parental burnout. A higher burnout rate was found in the father / mother role dimension of exhaustion. Exhaustion in this dimension was more common among parents who felt the negative consequences of the pandemic, their income decreased during quarantine, as well as parents whose children needed care in preparing food for them to eat. Nearly a third of the parents surveyed felt slightly unwell about the COVID-19 induced situation. Exhaustion in the father/mother role was associated with expressive emotional suppression. Bored feelings of parenthood had been associated with expressive suppression and malaise / despair for COVID-19. Emotional alienation had links to parental consensus, the contrast of the former self had connections with expressive suppression, cognitive overestimation, malaise / despair due to a situation caused by COVID-19.

Like burnout due to excessive work stress, parents also experience constant stress when raising their children, which leads to parental burnout. The COVID-19 pandemic that began worldwide in 2020 changed the daily living habits of all mankind. Parental unemployment, financial insecurity, low levels of social support from family and friends, and lack of leisure time during the pandemic significantly increased the risk of parental burnout. The aim of the research: to evaluate the signs of burnout of parents in Plungė district and their connections with well - being, lifestyle and social support. Research methods: In order to assess the signs of burnout of parents in Plungė district and their links with well-being, lifestyle and social support, a quantitative survey was conducted - a questionnaire survey. The survey of respondents was conducted by researchers from the Faculty of Health Sciences of Klaipeda University, in cooperation with researchers from Belgian and Dutch universities. All European Union countries participate in the study. The final work analyzes the results of the survey of respondents living in Plungė district. The research instrument consisted of 5 blocks of questions. The study involved 208 respondents living in Plungė district raising at least one child. Research results and conclusions. The parents of Plungė district studied in the study were characterized by a low level of parental burnout. A higher burnout rate was found in the father / mother role dimension of exhaustion. Exhaustion in this dimension was more common among parents who felt the negative consequences of the pandemic, their income decreased during quarantine, as well as parents whose children needed care in preparing food for them to eat. Nearly a third of the parents surveyed felt slightly unwell about the COVID-19 induced situation. Exhaustion in the father/mother role was associated with expressive emotional suppression. Bored feelings of parenthood had been associated with expressive suppression and malaise / despair for COVID-19. Emotional alienation had links to parental consensus, the contrast of the former self had connections with expressive suppression, cognitive overestimation, malaise / despair due to a situation caused by COVID-19.