This resource book for students introduces the main concepts of multilingualism and provides a wide range of definitions revealing the complex nature of the phenomenon. It also provides knowledge on historical developments, linguistic and cultural changes and emphasizes the historical relevance to the present situation in Europe. The documentation on the EU policy on multilingualism is critically evaluated while placing policy issues in the context of national and institutional perspectives. The resource book for students explores the economic value of languages and the impact of global English as well as the role of other "big" languages in Europe and the world. The case studies of different European countries/ cities provide deeper knowledge and develop understanding of political, educational, economic and socio-cultural aspects of multilingualism. These aspects are highlighted by examining cultural and socio-political factors that may influence or even determine minority/ migrant language loss, their development or maintenance. Finally, it provides an analysis of challenges for the educational sector and the schooling of multilingual children.
This resource book for students introduces the main concepts of multilingualism and provides a wide range of definitions revealing the complex nature of the phenomenon. It also provides knowledge on historical developments, linguistic and cultural changes and emphasizes the historical relevance to the present situation in Europe. The documentation on the EU policy on multilingualism is critically evaluated while placing policy issues in the context of national and institutional perspectives. The resource book for students explores the economic value of languages and the impact of global English as well as the role of other "big" languages in Europe and the world. The case studies of different European countries/ cities provide deeper knowledge and develop understanding of political, educational, economic and socio-cultural aspects of multilingualism. These aspects are highlighted by examining cultural and socio-political factors that may influence or even determine minority/ migrant language loss, their development or maintenance. Finally, it provides an analysis of challenges for the educational sector and the schooling of multilingual children.
This resource book for students introduces the main concepts of multilingualism and provides a wide range of definitions revealing the complex nature of the phenomenon. It also provides knowledge on historical developments, linguistic and cultural changes and emphasizes the historical relevance to the present situation in Europe. The documentation on the EU policy on multilingualism is critically evaluated while placing policy issues in the context of national and institutional perspectives. The resource book for students explores the economic value of languages and the impact of global English as well as the role of other "big" languages in Europe and the world. The case studies of different European countries/ cities provide deeper knowledge and develop understanding of political, educational, economic and socio-cultural aspects of multilingualism. These aspects are highlighted by examining cultural and socio-political factors that may influence or even determine minority/ migrant language loss, their development or maintenance. Finally, it provides an analysis of challenges for the educational sector and the schooling of multilingual children.
With the enlargement of the European Union, Europe is experiencing profound changes. All European nation states are going to face growing cultural and linguistic diversity. Therefore, considerable efforts to understand, respect, and sustain the very contrasts that make Europe so rich and complex will be required from all EU citizens. A specific feature of European cultural life is the ability to engage effectively with diversity. This engagement is linked to its basis in tradition and new developments.
With the enlargement of the European Union, Europe is experiencing profound changes. All European nation states are going to face growing cultural and linguistic diversity. Therefore, considerable efforts to understand, respect, and sustain the very contrasts that make Europe so rich and complex will be required from all EU citizens. A specific feature of European cultural life is the ability to engage effectively with diversity. This engagement is linked to its basis in tradition and new developments.
With the enlargement of the European Union, Europe is experiencing profound changes. All European nation states are going to face growing cultural and linguistic diversity. Therefore, considerable efforts to understand, respect, and sustain the very contrasts that make Europe so rich and complex will be required from all EU citizens. A specific feature of European cultural life is the ability to engage effectively with diversity. This engagement is linked to its basis in tradition and new developments.
This thesis analyses determinants that have influence on Venture Capital (VC) activity in Europe. Majority of previous researches used Jeng and Wells (2000) model, where VC demand (Investments) and supply (Raised Fund) side were tested, this model was applied to this research as well. The panel data analysis with fixed and random effects of 22 European countries period 2008 - 2018 was used for this paper and model was improved by introducing 18 new factors together with 9 selected from previous studies. Results revealed that fixed effects model were more appropriate to use in this research. Investment model revealed 9 significant factors: positive impact with GDP, Export, Starting Business, Scientific legislation and negative with 10Y Government bonds, FDI, Internet use, Patents and Protectionism. While Fund Raised model observed 5 significant determinants: positive connection with FDI and Corruption, while negative with Science employees, Patents and Corporate Tax. In previous studies variables were categorized in three sectors: macroeconomic, entrepreneurial and technological (Prohorovs & Pavlyuk, 2013). This model was improved by combining factors into the four sectors including also institutional sector. As a result 4 hypotheses were tested. 3 hypotheses find supported: Macroeconomic, Technological and Institutional variables had an effect on VC activity in European countries. Though, 1 hypothesis was rejected: Entrepreneurial variables did not have effect on European VC activity. These results highlight the importance of Macroeconomic, Technological and Institutional variables in Europe, while selected Entrepreneurial factors did not revealed significant impact (22 486 words).
This thesis analyses determinants that have influence on Venture Capital (VC) activity in Europe. Majority of previous researches used Jeng and Wells (2000) model, where VC demand (Investments) and supply (Raised Fund) side were tested, this model was applied to this research as well. The panel data analysis with fixed and random effects of 22 European countries period 2008 - 2018 was used for this paper and model was improved by introducing 18 new factors together with 9 selected from previous studies. Results revealed that fixed effects model were more appropriate to use in this research. Investment model revealed 9 significant factors: positive impact with GDP, Export, Starting Business, Scientific legislation and negative with 10Y Government bonds, FDI, Internet use, Patents and Protectionism. While Fund Raised model observed 5 significant determinants: positive connection with FDI and Corruption, while negative with Science employees, Patents and Corporate Tax. In previous studies variables were categorized in three sectors: macroeconomic, entrepreneurial and technological (Prohorovs & Pavlyuk, 2013). This model was improved by combining factors into the four sectors including also institutional sector. As a result 4 hypotheses were tested. 3 hypotheses find supported: Macroeconomic, Technological and Institutional variables had an effect on VC activity in European countries. Though, 1 hypothesis was rejected: Entrepreneurial variables did not have effect on European VC activity. These results highlight the importance of Macroeconomic, Technological and Institutional variables in Europe, while selected Entrepreneurial factors did not revealed significant impact (22 486 words).
In the context of European integration all the time Eastern and Central Europe was recognised like something between East and West, something unknown, mystical and not European. Nowadays, when ten new countries entered the EU Eastern and Central Europe was accepted as a real Europe for the first time and it is important and relevant to analyse the identity of the new EU countries. The objective of the theses is the identity of Eastern and Central Europe, the perception of how society conceptualizes itself and how it is recognised in the eyes of Western Europeans. The aim of the theses is to explore transformations of Eastern and Central Europe identity from the times when the region was not even treated as a part of Europe till nowadays when it became an important participant of EU policy. The main goals are: •To ascertain what the exact region the Eastern and Central Europe is, •To explore how this region was transforming in the development of European integration, •To discover the specifics of the identity; •To explore the transformation from the post-communistic to the European identity; •To analyse the Lithuanian identity' transformation case. Using the historical-descriptive, analytical-descriptive, comparative and case research methods such conclusions were attained: •Eastern and Central Europe has a specific location and therefore a transitional position between East and West. •The Cold war was the most important event influenced the common identity in the region. •Although the West considered Eastern and Central Europe as one region – East, the different historical experiences, religion and cultures distinguished the region as a bunch of many different countries. •During the independence period some of the countries integrated in the EU structures, some of them were solving inner problems, and some of them were identifying themselves with Russia. At the moment almost all countries are demonstrating their euro-integrational objectives. •Lithuanian support to the new EU candidate countries shows that Lithuania is striving to hold its position in the foreign EU policy playing on the historical experience and understanding Eastern and Central Europe nations.
In the context of European integration all the time Eastern and Central Europe was recognised like something between East and West, something unknown, mystical and not European. Nowadays, when ten new countries entered the EU Eastern and Central Europe was accepted as a real Europe for the first time and it is important and relevant to analyse the identity of the new EU countries. The objective of the theses is the identity of Eastern and Central Europe, the perception of how society conceptualizes itself and how it is recognised in the eyes of Western Europeans. The aim of the theses is to explore transformations of Eastern and Central Europe identity from the times when the region was not even treated as a part of Europe till nowadays when it became an important participant of EU policy. The main goals are: •To ascertain what the exact region the Eastern and Central Europe is, •To explore how this region was transforming in the development of European integration, •To discover the specifics of the identity; •To explore the transformation from the post-communistic to the European identity; •To analyse the Lithuanian identity' transformation case. Using the historical-descriptive, analytical-descriptive, comparative and case research methods such conclusions were attained: •Eastern and Central Europe has a specific location and therefore a transitional position between East and West. •The Cold war was the most important event influenced the common identity in the region. •Although the West considered Eastern and Central Europe as one region – East, the different historical experiences, religion and cultures distinguished the region as a bunch of many different countries. •During the independence period some of the countries integrated in the EU structures, some of them were solving inner problems, and some of them were identifying themselves with Russia. At the moment almost all countries are demonstrating their euro-integrational objectives. •Lithuanian support to the new EU candidate countries shows that Lithuania is striving to hold its position in the foreign EU policy playing on the historical experience and understanding Eastern and Central Europe nations.
The paper aims at analysing the macroeconomic effects of the Europe 2020 Strategy taking into account economic growth theories. The research problem relates to defining differences how various EU policies, materializing themselves through statistical indicators, impact the EU economic growth as well as how different EU member states are regarding the implementation of Europe 2020. It consists of 3 interrelated parts. The first one presents the analysis frame work, i.e. describes the theories of economic growth and methods, such as correlation analysis and cluster analysis, and a data set, i.e. GDP indicators, Europe 2020, macroeconomic imbalances, fiscal indicators and the innovation index. The second part analyses the results of correlation analysis between GDP growth rates and GDP per capita as a dependant variable and 17 other indicators. On the EU level the level of innovations, energy efficiency, current account balance and expenditures for R&D over 2000-2010 ha the strongest impact on economic growth with the correlation coefficient above 0.7. The third part presents the results of cluster analysis. The EU member states are quite different regarding the Europe 2020 indicators, thus 5 identical clusters were obtained, such as the power of Europe, Scandinavian excellence, the Southern path, the middle class Europe, the poverty Europe.
The paper aims at analysing the macroeconomic effects of the Europe 2020 Strategy taking into account economic growth theories. The research problem relates to defining differences how various EU policies, materializing themselves through statistical indicators, impact the EU economic growth as well as how different EU member states are regarding the implementation of Europe 2020. It consists of 3 interrelated parts. The first one presents the analysis frame work, i.e. describes the theories of economic growth and methods, such as correlation analysis and cluster analysis, and a data set, i.e. GDP indicators, Europe 2020, macroeconomic imbalances, fiscal indicators and the innovation index. The second part analyses the results of correlation analysis between GDP growth rates and GDP per capita as a dependant variable and 17 other indicators. On the EU level the level of innovations, energy efficiency, current account balance and expenditures for R&D over 2000-2010 ha the strongest impact on economic growth with the correlation coefficient above 0.7. The third part presents the results of cluster analysis. The EU member states are quite different regarding the Europe 2020 indicators, thus 5 identical clusters were obtained, such as the power of Europe, Scandinavian excellence, the Southern path, the middle class Europe, the poverty Europe.
The paper aims at analysing the macroeconomic effects of the Europe 2020 Strategy taking into account economic growth theories. The research problem relates to defining differences how various EU policies, materializing themselves through statistical indicators, impact the EU economic growth as well as how different EU member states are regarding the implementation of Europe 2020. It consists of 3 interrelated parts. The first one presents the analysis frame work, i.e. describes the theories of economic growth and methods, such as correlation analysis and cluster analysis, and a data set, i.e. GDP indicators, Europe 2020, macroeconomic imbalances, fiscal indicators and the innovation index. The second part analyses the results of correlation analysis between GDP growth rates and GDP per capita as a dependant variable and 17 other indicators. On the EU level the level of innovations, energy efficiency, current account balance and expenditures for R&D over 2000-2010 ha the strongest impact on economic growth with the correlation coefficient above 0.7. The third part presents the results of cluster analysis. The EU member states are quite different regarding the Europe 2020 indicators, thus 5 identical clusters were obtained, such as the power of Europe, Scandinavian excellence, the Southern path, the middle class Europe, the poverty Europe.
The paper aims at analysing the macroeconomic effects of the Europe 2020 Strategy taking into account economic growth theories. The research problem relates to defining differences how various EU policies, materializing themselves through statistical indicators, impact the EU economic growth as well as how different EU member states are regarding the implementation of Europe 2020. It consists of 3 interrelated parts. The first one presents the analysis frame work, i.e. describes the theories of economic growth and methods, such as correlation analysis and cluster analysis, and a data set, i.e. GDP indicators, Europe 2020, macroeconomic imbalances, fiscal indicators and the innovation index. The second part analyses the results of correlation analysis between GDP growth rates and GDP per capita as a dependant variable and 17 other indicators. On the EU level the level of innovations, energy efficiency, current account balance and expenditures for R&D over 2000-2010 ha the strongest impact on economic growth with the correlation coefficient above 0.7. The third part presents the results of cluster analysis. The EU member states are quite different regarding the Europe 2020 indicators, thus 5 identical clusters were obtained, such as the power of Europe, Scandinavian excellence, the Southern path, the middle class Europe, the poverty Europe.
This article argues that the local government capacities and local government performance in Europe clearly rank this continent to the most developed world areas from the point of local democracy. The background factors explaining this situation have a multidimensional character and one can identify as core positive factors the relative economic wealth, high human development, the long historical tradition of the subsidiarity principle in most parts of Europe, and the regulatory function of the Council of Europe. The strong development of local and regional democracy in Europe is protected and based on the principles of European Charter of Local Self Government. However, this does not mean that everything is perfect in Europe and that there would be no challenges to be addressed. It is difficult to define clear common weaknesses of the local democracy in Europe. We need to mention the core structural challenges here, for instance the continuous discussion about amalgamation versus fragmentation. Most countries also indicate one overarching threat to the local democracy in Europe today, that is, the financial crisis, which significantly decreased the level of available financial resources for self-governments, while the structure of responsibilities remains the same or even increases. Another core threat visible in many European countries is the trend toward re-centralization or limited real will do continue with decentralization in, both in established and emerging democracies. Regional issues differ, and we mention especially the situation of post-communist countries, where local democracy does not have a long tradition and still needs to be revitalized. ; Straipsnyje įrodoma, jog vietos valdžios gebėjimai ir veiklumas Europoje leidžia aiškiai laikyti šį žemyną kaip labiausiai pažengusį vietos savialdos srityje. Kontekstiniai veiksniai, paaiškinantys šią situaciją, yra daugiadimensiniai – kaip esminius teigiamus veiksnius galima išskirti santykinę ekonominę gerovę, aukštą žmogaus raidos indeksą, ilgą istorinę subsidiarumo principo daugelyje Europos šalių tradiciją ir reguliacinę Europos Tarybos funkciją. Nuoseklus vietos ir regioninės demokratijos Europoje vystymasis yra ginamas ir grindžiamas Europos Tarybos priimtoje Europos vietos savivaldos chartijos principais. Europos Taryba, be daugelio kitų veiklų, reguliariai vykdo stebėsenos vizitus į visa šalis nares, kurių metu tikrina vietos ir regioninės demokratijos situaciją. Šie vizitai yra svarbi ir efektyvi visų Europos šalių vyriausybių motyvavimo stiprinti Chartijos principais pagrįstą vietos demokratiją priemonė. Tačiau tai nereiškia, jog Europoje viskas tobula ir kad nėra jokių iššūkių, į kuriuos reikėtų reaguoti. Yra sunku aiškiai apibrėžti bendrus vietos demokratijos trūkumus Europoje. Tačiau reikia paminėti, jog kaip vieną esminių struktūrinių iššūkių galima išskirti nepertraukiamą diskusiją apie suvienijimą versus fragmentaciją. Dauguma šalių kaip vieną svarbiausių grėsmių vietos demokratijai šiandienos Europoje nurodo finansinę krizę, kuri žymiai sumažino vietos valdžiai prieinamų finansinių išteklių lygį, nors atsakomybė išlieka tokia pati ar net didesnė, tuo pačiu neabejotinai didėja ir poreikiai. Kita daugumoje Europos šalių pastebima esminė grėsmė yra recentralizacijos arba ribotos valios tęsti decentralizaciją tiek išsivysčiusiose, tiek besivystančiose demokratijose, tendencija. Regioninės problemos yra skirtingos, ypač situacija pokomunistinėse šalyse, neturinčiose ilgos vietos demokratijos tradicijos, kuri turi būti gaivinama iš naujo. Dar daugiau, centrinė valdžia kai kuriose NVS šalyse visiškai nėra linkusi propaguoti decentralizacijos idėją kaip oficialią nacionalinę politiką (ypač Baltarusija ir Azerbaidžanas).
