Suchergebnisse

Relatively weak interdependence of the states and unwillingness to limit one's sovereignty determines inefficiency of global environmental regimes. This fact forms the main problem of the MA thesis. The MA thesis is based on the presumption that regional cooperation which is determined by the interdependence of the states allows to resolve current issues easier. Certain regions which have intentions to cope with common environmental threats may be especially interested in cooperation and establishment of environmental security complexes. Therefore, cooperation may encourage the further integration. The key question of the MA thesis is when and in what circumstances the environmental threats encourage regional integration? The additional question is what factors restrict the processes of regional cooperation on the basis of the environmental threats? The analytical parts encompass the analysis of cases of Nile and Mekong regions. The object of the research is the regional cooperation and its institutionalized forms, as a consequence of the environmental threats. The aim of the analytical parts of the thesis is to examine whether the environmental threats encourage the regional cooperation on three main conditions: - the environmental threats are regarded as existential issues by the states of the certain region; - cooperation in the environmental field creates an opportunity for the economic development of states; - the regions are influenced by the external actors, which provide a stimulus for environmental cooperation. The answer of the additional question is given a presumption that the national interests and unilateral policy of the states are the key subjects which restrict the processes of environmental cooperation. In order to answer the questions arose and to achieve the purpose of the thesis, the following tasks were set: - to discuss the concept and relevance of the environmental threats, the development of global environmental politics, the efficiency problems of the environmental regimes and the key aspects of the environmental security; - to review the causes of the international conflicts and environmental cooperation as well as integration in the international river basins; - to present the aspects of the regional security complexes' theory which are relevant to the MA thesis; - to distinguish the criteria for the selection of the cases; - to review the historical context of the regions selected for the analysis indicating the cases of dispute between the states of region and estimating the potential of the regional integration; - to discuss and estimate the environmental threats related to the water scarcity in the selected regions; - to analyse the forms of cooperation concerning water scarcity in the selected regions. The research confirms the presumption that regional cooperation is encouraged by the relevance of the environmental threats, the expectations of the economic development of the states and the influence of external actors. The results of the analysis demonstrates that the main factor which restrains the processes of the environmental cooperation is the policy of the most powerful actors related to the national interests in the field of transboundary water management. MA thesis can be significant in grounding, verifying and elaborating the theory of regional security complexes and applying it to the research of the environmental cooperation. The thesis also provides with new insights which specify and complement the academic studies of environmental cooperation. MA thesis is intended to accentuate the whole of essential factors which is necessary for the proceeding of cooperation in anarchical atmosphere. On the other hand, academic literature lack research involving prognostic element which is related to the evaluation of the regional integration's potential. Therefore, the MA thesis is intended to evaluate the perspectives of regional integration in the selected cases.

Relatively weak interdependence of the states and unwillingness to limit one's sovereignty determines inefficiency of global environmental regimes. This fact forms the main problem of the MA thesis. The MA thesis is based on the presumption that regional cooperation which is determined by the interdependence of the states allows to resolve current issues easier. Certain regions which have intentions to cope with common environmental threats may be especially interested in cooperation and establishment of environmental security complexes. Therefore, cooperation may encourage the further integration. The key question of the MA thesis is when and in what circumstances the environmental threats encourage regional integration? The additional question is what factors restrict the processes of regional cooperation on the basis of the environmental threats? The analytical parts encompass the analysis of cases of Nile and Mekong regions. The object of the research is the regional cooperation and its institutionalized forms, as a consequence of the environmental threats. The aim of the analytical parts of the thesis is to examine whether the environmental threats encourage the regional cooperation on three main conditions: - the environmental threats are regarded as existential issues by the states of the certain region; - cooperation in the environmental field creates an opportunity for the economic development of states; - the regions are influenced by the external actors, which provide a stimulus for environmental cooperation. The answer of the additional question is given a presumption that the national interests and unilateral policy of the states are the key subjects which restrict the processes of environmental cooperation. In order to answer the questions arose and to achieve the purpose of the thesis, the following tasks were set: - to discuss the concept and relevance of the environmental threats, the development of global environmental politics, the efficiency problems of the environmental regimes and the key aspects of the environmental security; - to review the causes of the international conflicts and environmental cooperation as well as integration in the international river basins; - to present the aspects of the regional security complexes' theory which are relevant to the MA thesis; - to distinguish the criteria for the selection of the cases; - to review the historical context of the regions selected for the analysis indicating the cases of dispute between the states of region and estimating the potential of the regional integration; - to discuss and estimate the environmental threats related to the water scarcity in the selected regions; - to analyse the forms of cooperation concerning water scarcity in the selected regions. The research confirms the presumption that regional cooperation is encouraged by the relevance of the environmental threats, the expectations of the economic development of the states and the influence of external actors. The results of the analysis demonstrates that the main factor which restrains the processes of the environmental cooperation is the policy of the most powerful actors related to the national interests in the field of transboundary water management. MA thesis can be significant in grounding, verifying and elaborating the theory of regional security complexes and applying it to the research of the environmental cooperation. The thesis also provides with new insights which specify and complement the academic studies of environmental cooperation. MA thesis is intended to accentuate the whole of essential factors which is necessary for the proceeding of cooperation in anarchical atmosphere. On the other hand, academic literature lack research involving prognostic element which is related to the evaluation of the regional integration's potential. Therefore, the MA thesis is intended to evaluate the perspectives of regional integration in the selected cases.

European regional integration processes have gradually covered most of the world regions. First of all, regions were strengthened internally and after that they began increasingly interact with each other, thus consolidating interregional relations as an integral part of their foreign policy. European Union decided to activate foreign policy actions in Latin America due to its growing economical and political significance. However, EU member's different interests have increased the gap between the official statements of EU and concrete practical policies. Such inequality of attention to Latin America led other great players of the international system to renew their interest in the region

European regional integration processes have gradually covered most of the world regions. First of all, regions were strengthened internally and after that they began increasingly interact with each other, thus consolidating interregional relations as an integral part of their foreign policy. European Union decided to activate foreign policy actions in Latin America due to its growing economical and political significance. However, EU member's different interests have increased the gap between the official statements of EU and concrete practical policies. Such inequality of attention to Latin America led other great players of the international system to renew their interest in the region

European regional integration processes have gradually covered most of the world regions. First of all, regions were strengthened internally and after that they began increasingly interact with each other, thus consolidating interregional relations as an integral part of their foreign policy. European Union decided to activate foreign policy actions in Latin America due to its growing economical and political significance. However, EU member's different interests have increased the gap between the official statements of EU and concrete practical policies. Such inequality of attention to Latin America led other great players of the international system to renew their interest in the region

The purpose of research – to find out the possibilities of Eurasian Union realization; the object of research – the idea of Eurasian Union and possibilities of its realization; the problem of research is the tangibility of Eurasian Union idea's realization and perspectives of further regional integration. The chosen analytical methods are descriptive research and analysis, which help to reveal characteristics and development of the research object and to consider possibilities of further realization; comparative analysis helps to distinguish differences and similarities of various sources. Primary and secondary sources are used in the analysis. Structure of this master thesis is based on the raised goals and research starts with presentation of the Eurasian Union idea (mostly the analysis of primary sources). After presenting the research object (Eurasian Union idea) and scholars and politicians opinions about the idea, research concentrates on the analysis of regional integration. Intergovernmentalism and liberal intergovernmentalism are determined as the most appropriate theories of analyzing realization of Eurasian Union idea. The third chapter of master thesis analyzes the concept of neoauthoritarianism and functioning of neoauthoritarian states. In order to improve quality of analyzing Eurasian Union idea's realization possibilities, master thesis concentrates on the specific of the region; Russia's role in the region; problems of the interstate relations in the region; and the post-Soviet regional experiences. After the analysis of situation in the region and the process of Eurasian Union idea's realization through intergovernmentalism and neoauthoritarianism theories, conclusions are formulated. Conclusions of master thesis states: Eurasia's Union idea's realization is realistic, but in limited space of post-Soviet area. The integration process is driven by the state's national interests and economical interdependence. First of all, effective integration must be achieved in limited number of states, and just after widening can be started. The success of idea's realization will depend on process of intergovernmental negotiations; on side-payments and discounts; on the possible alternatives to Eurasian Union; on Russia's capability to keep other countries in region in economical dependence; on common legal system development; and on the efficiency of institutional cooperation.

The purpose of research – to find out the possibilities of Eurasian Union realization; the object of research – the idea of Eurasian Union and possibilities of its realization; the problem of research is the tangibility of Eurasian Union idea's realization and perspectives of further regional integration. The chosen analytical methods are descriptive research and analysis, which help to reveal characteristics and development of the research object and to consider possibilities of further realization; comparative analysis helps to distinguish differences and similarities of various sources. Primary and secondary sources are used in the analysis. Structure of this master thesis is based on the raised goals and research starts with presentation of the Eurasian Union idea (mostly the analysis of primary sources). After presenting the research object (Eurasian Union idea) and scholars and politicians opinions about the idea, research concentrates on the analysis of regional integration. Intergovernmentalism and liberal intergovernmentalism are determined as the most appropriate theories of analyzing realization of Eurasian Union idea. The third chapter of master thesis analyzes the concept of neoauthoritarianism and functioning of neoauthoritarian states. In order to improve quality of analyzing Eurasian Union idea's realization possibilities, master thesis concentrates on the specific of the region; Russia's role in the region; problems of the interstate relations in the region; and the post-Soviet regional experiences. After the analysis of situation in the region and the process of Eurasian Union idea's realization through intergovernmentalism and neoauthoritarianism theories, conclusions are formulated. Conclusions of master thesis states: Eurasia's Union idea's realization is realistic, but in limited space of post-Soviet area. The integration process is driven by the state's national interests and economical interdependence. First of all, effective integration must be achieved in limited number of states, and just after widening can be started. The success of idea's realization will depend on process of intergovernmental negotiations; on side-payments and discounts; on the possible alternatives to Eurasian Union; on Russia's capability to keep other countries in region in economical dependence; on common legal system development; and on the efficiency of institutional cooperation.

The purpose of research – to find out the possibilities of Eurasian Union realization; the object of research – the idea of Eurasian Union and possibilities of its realization; the problem of research is the tangibility of Eurasian Union idea's realization and perspectives of further regional integration. The chosen analytical methods are descriptive research and analysis, which help to reveal characteristics and development of the research object and to consider possibilities of further realization; comparative analysis helps to distinguish differences and similarities of various sources. Primary and secondary sources are used in the analysis. Structure of this master thesis is based on the raised goals and research starts with presentation of the Eurasian Union idea (mostly the analysis of primary sources). After presenting the research object (Eurasian Union idea) and scholars and politicians opinions about the idea, research concentrates on the analysis of regional integration. Intergovernmentalism and liberal intergovernmentalism are determined as the most appropriate theories of analyzing realization of Eurasian Union idea. The third chapter of master thesis analyzes the concept of neoauthoritarianism and functioning of neoauthoritarian states. In order to improve quality of analyzing Eurasian Union idea's realization possibilities, master thesis concentrates on the specific of the region; Russia's role in the region; problems of the interstate relations in the region; and the post-Soviet regional experiences. After the analysis of situation in the region and the process of Eurasian Union idea's realization through intergovernmentalism and neoauthoritarianism theories, conclusions are formulated. Conclusions of master thesis states: Eurasia's Union idea's realization is realistic, but in limited space of post-Soviet area. The integration process is driven by the state's national interests and economical interdependence. First of all, effective integration must be achieved in limited number of states, and just after widening can be started. The success of idea's realization will depend on process of intergovernmental negotiations; on side-payments and discounts; on the possible alternatives to Eurasian Union; on Russia's capability to keep other countries in region in economical dependence; on common legal system development; and on the efficiency of institutional cooperation.

In recent decades European regions have faced new social and economic development challenges. Not only globalization but also European integration processes make influence on regional development and lead to regional convergence. Then a region's competitive advantage is decreased or even lost. Seeking to help less advanced regions solve their problems, promote regional development and strengthen regional competitiveness uniqueness of regions should be identified, analysed and evaluated. Regional competitiveness can be strengthened by promoting regional specialization and investments and more effectively using local resources. Local cultural, historical and natural resources identified as unique and used in economic activity will contribute to the creation of value added and new jobs and give other positive results. Regional uniqueness plays an important role, it can be a success factor for regional development and create competitive advantage. In other words, it is important to identify, evaluate and develop the strengths and core skills of a region. The assessment of regional uniqueness will help use EU support more effectively and efficiently and create value added and new jobs. The paper deals with assessment of the regional uniqueness of Lithuania and opportunities for regions to develop and create value added and new jobs. The object of this research is assessment of regional uniqueness seeking to effectively and efficiently use it and facilitate social and economic development of Lithuania's regions. Regional development is important at state, regional and EU levels. More effective use of regional strengths, core skills and unique local resources will help create competitive advantage. The aim of the research is to propose methods for the evaluation of regional uniqueness (unique cultural, historical and natural resources) and regions' opportunities to create value added and new jobs. That could be used for regional policy formation. The research draws on the theory of economic assessment of regional uniqueness. Research methods: the multi-criteria evaluation technique, the SAW method, econometric analysis of panel data, regression analysis, systematic and comparative analysis of statistical data, synthesis, analogy, contextual analysis, logical comparison. Indicators that can be used as a regional uniqueness assessment and regions' classification instrument were identified. The findings can be used for regional policy formation, effective and efficient use of unique resources, value added and new jobs creation. Regional uniqueness assessment is important at several levels: as a new supplementary methodological instrument for regional policy prioritisation (at EU level), as additional criteria attracting EU support for value added and new jobs creation (at national level), as an instrument for setting regions' strategic development directions (at regional level). While developing Lithuania's regional policy and seeking to create added value and new jobs it is recommended to evaluate regional resources (cultural, historical, natural) and classify regions. Research into the issue should be continued, the concept of regional uniqueness developed, regional economic development analysed, local resources evaluated, regional specialization strengthened, investment in regions promoted, regional competitiveness enhanced.

In recent decades European regions have faced new social and economic development challenges. Not only globalization but also European integration processes make influence on regional development and lead to regional convergence. Then a region's competitive advantage is decreased or even lost. Seeking to help less advanced regions solve their problems, promote regional development and strengthen regional competitiveness uniqueness of regions should be identified, analysed and evaluated. Regional competitiveness can be strengthened by promoting regional specialization and investments and more effectively using local resources. Local cultural, historical and natural resources identified as unique and used in economic activity will contribute to the creation of value added and new jobs and give other positive results. Regional uniqueness plays an important role, it can be a success factor for regional development and create competitive advantage. In other words, it is important to identify, evaluate and develop the strengths and core skills of a region. The assessment of regional uniqueness will help use EU support more effectively and efficiently and create value added and new jobs. The paper deals with assessment of the regional uniqueness of Lithuania and opportunities for regions to develop and create value added and new jobs. The object of this research is assessment of regional uniqueness seeking to effectively and efficiently use it and facilitate social and economic development of Lithuania's regions. Regional development is important at state, regional and EU levels. More effective use of regional strengths, core skills and unique local resources will help create competitive advantage. The aim of the research is to propose methods for the evaluation of regional uniqueness (unique cultural, historical and natural resources) and regions' opportunities to create value added and new jobs. That could be used for regional policy formation. The research draws on the theory of economic assessment of regional uniqueness. Research methods: the multi-criteria evaluation technique, the SAW method, econometric analysis of panel data, regression analysis, systematic and comparative analysis of statistical data, synthesis, analogy, contextual analysis, logical comparison. Indicators that can be used as a regional uniqueness assessment and regions' classification instrument were identified. The findings can be used for regional policy formation, effective and efficient use of unique resources, value added and new jobs creation. Regional uniqueness assessment is important at several levels: as a new supplementary methodological instrument for regional policy prioritisation (at EU level), as additional criteria attracting EU support for value added and new jobs creation (at national level), as an instrument for setting regions' strategic development directions (at regional level). While developing Lithuania's regional policy and seeking to create added value and new jobs it is recommended to evaluate regional resources (cultural, historical, natural) and classify regions. Research into the issue should be continued, the concept of regional uniqueness developed, regional economic development analysed, local resources evaluated, regional specialization strengthened, investment in regions promoted, regional competitiveness enhanced.

In recent decades European regions have faced new social and economic development challenges. Not only globalization but also European integration processes make influence on regional development and lead to regional convergence. Then a region's competitive advantage is decreased or even lost. Seeking to help less advanced regions solve their problems, promote regional development and strengthen regional competitiveness uniqueness of regions should be identified, analysed and evaluated. Regional competitiveness can be strengthened by promoting regional specialization and investments and more effectively using local resources. Local cultural, historical and natural resources identified as unique and used in economic activity will contribute to the creation of value added and new jobs and give other positive results. Regional uniqueness plays an important role, it can be a success factor for regional development and create competitive advantage. In other words, it is important to identify, evaluate and develop the strengths and core skills of a region. The assessment of regional uniqueness will help use EU support more effectively and efficiently and create value added and new jobs. The paper deals with assessment of the regional uniqueness of Lithuania and opportunities for regions to develop and create value added and new jobs. The object of this research is assessment of regional uniqueness seeking to effectively and efficiently use it and facilitate social and economic development of Lithuania's regions. Regional development is important at state, regional and EU levels. More effective use of regional strengths, core skills and unique local resources will help create competitive advantage. The aim of the research is to propose methods for the evaluation of regional uniqueness (unique cultural, historical and natural resources) and regions' opportunities to create value added and new jobs. That could be used for regional policy formation. The research draws on the theory of economic assessment of regional uniqueness. Research methods: the multi-criteria evaluation technique, the SAW method, econometric analysis of panel data, regression analysis, systematic and comparative analysis of statistical data, synthesis, analogy, contextual analysis, logical comparison. Indicators that can be used as a regional uniqueness assessment and regions' classification instrument were identified. The findings can be used for regional policy formation, effective and efficient use of unique resources, value added and new jobs creation. Regional uniqueness assessment is important at several levels: as a new supplementary methodological instrument for regional policy prioritisation (at EU level), as additional criteria attracting EU support for value added and new jobs creation (at national level), as an instrument for setting regions' strategic development directions (at regional level). While developing Lithuania's regional policy and seeking to create added value and new jobs it is recommended to evaluate regional resources (cultural, historical, natural) and classify regions. Research into the issue should be continued, the concept of regional uniqueness developed, regional economic development analysed, local resources evaluated, regional specialization strengthened, investment in regions promoted, regional competitiveness enhanced.

In recent decades European regions have faced new social and economic development challenges. Not only globalization but also European integration processes make influence on regional development and lead to regional convergence. Then a region's competitive advantage is decreased or even lost. Seeking to help less advanced regions solve their problems, promote regional development and strengthen regional competitiveness uniqueness of regions should be identified, analysed and evaluated. Regional competitiveness can be strengthened by promoting regional specialization and investments and more effectively using local resources. Local cultural, historical and natural resources identified as unique and used in economic activity will contribute to the creation of value added and new jobs and give other positive results. Regional uniqueness plays an important role, it can be a success factor for regional development and create competitive advantage. In other words, it is important to identify, evaluate and develop the strengths and core skills of a region. The assessment of regional uniqueness will help use EU support more effectively and efficiently and create value added and new jobs. The paper deals with assessment of the regional uniqueness of Lithuania and opportunities for regions to develop and create value added and new jobs. The object of this research is assessment of regional uniqueness seeking to effectively and efficiently use it and facilitate social and economic development of Lithuania's regions. Regional development is important at state, regional and EU levels. More effective use of regional strengths, core skills and unique local resources will help create competitive advantage. The aim of the research is to propose methods for the evaluation of regional uniqueness (unique cultural, historical and natural resources) and regions' opportunities to create value added and new jobs. That could be used for regional policy formation. The research draws on the theory of economic assessment of regional uniqueness. Research methods: the multi-criteria evaluation technique, the SAW method, econometric analysis of panel data, regression analysis, systematic and comparative analysis of statistical data, synthesis, analogy, contextual analysis, logical comparison. Indicators that can be used as a regional uniqueness assessment and regions' classification instrument were identified. The findings can be used for regional policy formation, effective and efficient use of unique resources, value added and new jobs creation. Regional uniqueness assessment is important at several levels: as a new supplementary methodological instrument for regional policy prioritisation (at EU level), as additional criteria attracting EU support for value added and new jobs creation (at national level), as an instrument for setting regions' strategic development directions (at regional level). While developing Lithuania's regional policy and seeking to create added value and new jobs it is recommended to evaluate regional resources (cultural, historical, natural) and classify regions. Research into the issue should be continued, the concept of regional uniqueness developed, regional economic development analysed, local resources evaluated, regional specialization strengthened, investment in regions promoted, regional competitiveness enhanced.

In recent decades European regions have faced new social and economic development challenges. Not only globalization but also European integration processes make influence on regional development and lead to regional convergence. Then a region's competitive advantage is decreased or even lost. Seeking to help less advanced regions solve their problems, promote regional development and strengthen regional competitiveness uniqueness of regions should be identified, analysed and evaluated. Regional competitiveness can be strengthened by promoting regional specialization and investments and more effectively using local resources. Local cultural, historical and natural resources identified as unique and used in economic activity will contribute to the creation of value added and new jobs and give other positive results. Regional uniqueness plays an important role, it can be a success factor for regional development and create competitive advantage. In other words, it is important to identify, evaluate and develop the strengths and core skills of a region. The assessment of regional uniqueness will help use EU support more effectively and efficiently and create value added and new jobs. The paper deals with assessment of the regional uniqueness of Lithuania and opportunities for regions to develop and create value added and new jobs. The object of this research is assessment of regional uniqueness seeking to effectively and efficiently use it and facilitate social and economic development of Lithuania's regions. Regional development is important at state, regional and EU levels. More effective use of regional strengths, core skills and unique local resources will help create competitive advantage. The aim of the research is to propose methods for the evaluation of regional uniqueness (unique cultural, historical and natural resources) and regions' opportunities to create value added and new jobs. That could be used for regional policy formation. The research draws on the theory of economic assessment of regional uniqueness. Research methods: the multi-criteria evaluation technique, the SAW method, econometric analysis of panel data, regression analysis, systematic and comparative analysis of statistical data, synthesis, analogy, contextual analysis, logical comparison. Indicators that can be used as a regional uniqueness assessment and regions' classification instrument were identified. The findings can be used for regional policy formation, effective and efficient use of unique resources, value added and new jobs creation. Regional uniqueness assessment is important at several levels: as a new supplementary methodological instrument for regional policy prioritisation (at EU level), as additional criteria attracting EU support for value added and new jobs creation (at national level), as an instrument for setting regions' strategic development directions (at regional level). While developing Lithuania's regional policy and seeking to create added value and new jobs it is recommended to evaluate regional resources (cultural, historical, natural) and classify regions. Research into the issue should be continued, the concept of regional uniqueness developed, regional economic development analysed, local resources evaluated, regional specialization strengthened, investment in regions promoted, regional competitiveness enhanced.

In recent decades European regions have faced new social and economic development challenges. Not only globalization but also European integration processes make influence on regional development and lead to regional convergence. Then a region's competitive advantage is decreased or even lost. Seeking to help less advanced regions solve their problems, promote regional development and strengthen regional competitiveness uniqueness of regions should be identified, analysed and evaluated. Regional competitiveness can be strengthened by promoting regional specialization and investments and more effectively using local resources. Local cultural, historical and natural resources identified as unique and used in economic activity will contribute to the creation of value added and new jobs and give other positive results. Regional uniqueness plays an important role, it can be a success factor for regional development and create competitive advantage. In other words, it is important to identify, evaluate and develop the strengths and core skills of a region. The assessment of regional uniqueness will help use EU support more effectively and efficiently and create value added and new jobs. The paper deals with assessment of the regional uniqueness of Lithuania and opportunities for regions to develop and create value added and new jobs. The object of this research is assessment of regional uniqueness seeking to effectively and efficiently use it and facilitate social and economic development of Lithuania's regions. Regional development is important at state, regional and EU levels. More effective use of regional strengths, core skills and unique local resources will help create competitive advantage. The aim of the research is to propose methods for the evaluation of regional uniqueness (unique cultural, historical and natural resources) and regions' opportunities to create value added and new jobs. That could be used for regional policy formation. The research draws on the theory of economic assessment of regional uniqueness. Research methods: the multi-criteria evaluation technique, the SAW method, econometric analysis of panel data, regression analysis, systematic and comparative analysis of statistical data, synthesis, analogy, contextual analysis, logical comparison. Indicators that can be used as a regional uniqueness assessment and regions' classification instrument were identified. The findings can be used for regional policy formation, effective and efficient use of unique resources, value added and new jobs creation. Regional uniqueness assessment is important at several levels: as a new supplementary methodological instrument for regional policy prioritisation (at EU level), as additional criteria attracting EU support for value added and new jobs creation (at national level), as an instrument for setting regions' strategic development directions (at regional level). While developing Lithuania's regional policy and seeking to create added value and new jobs it is recommended to evaluate regional resources (cultural, historical, natural) and classify regions. Research into the issue should be continued, the concept of regional uniqueness developed, regional economic development analysed, local resources evaluated, regional specialization strengthened, investment in regions promoted, regional competitiveness enhanced.

Language is part of ethnic identity, and ethnic identity in many cases, especially in Eastern and Central Europe, where ethnic nationalism is the prevailing form of nationalism, constitutes an integral part of nationalism (its other part consists of national interests as perceived by dominant groups and/or the majority). However, in the context of regional integration, the relationship between these categories undergoes a major change alongside with shifts in the identity structure.