Articles

• Daniela Bobeva — Economic Research Institute аt the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences

  Nedialko Nestorov — Economic Research Institute at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences

  Atanas Pavlov — Economic Research Institute at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences

  Simeon Stoilov — PhD student at the Economic Research Institute at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences

  EVALUATION OF THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF A COUNTRY`S ACCESSION TO THE SCHENGEN AREA – THE CASE OF BULGARIA

  Abstract ▾ PDF

  стр. 139-163

  The Schengen agreement further strengthens the implementation of the principles of free movement of goods, services and persons provided in the EU and beyond. This intergovernmental agreement offers a lot of challenges that need to be examined for building understanding of the complexity of consequences of a large magnitude. The aim of this study is to develop and apply a comprehensive methodology in order to evaluate the economic effects of a country`s accession to the Schengen area. The study explores different types of economic implications, including direct, potential, ecological and fiscal effects. Moreover, the universality of the methodology provides for its comprehensive and wide applicability under different context and scenarios of abolition of border control. The developed methodology has been applied in order to evaluate the economic impact on Bulgaria from the country`s accession to the Schengen area.

• Ophelia Kaneva — PhD, is Associate Professor at the Varna Free University.

  Spartak Keremidchiev — Economic Research Institute аt BAS

  STRATEGIC ALTERNATIVES FOR CIVIL SECTOR DEVELOPMENT IN BULGARIA

  Abstract ▾ PDF

  стр. 164-194

  Seventeen years after Bulgaria's accession to the European Union is an appropriate period to assess the changes that have taken place in the civil sector and to highlight the current problems of its development. This is the research task of the study. In addition to the analytical part, a strategic framework and a model for supporting the development of CSOs have been developed. Despite positive changes, the main findings of the analysis are that there is a lag in the sustainability of the third sector: the territorial distribution of CSOs is highly uneven, and there is a lack of state policy for interaction with the sector. Two strategic alternatives are outlined. One is to maintain existing trends and adopt a position dealing with unimportant current and prospective issues; the other alternative has a purpose to concentrate on helping to solve important current societal problems and, to a greater extent, prospective ones.

• Bozhidar Ivanov — Institute of Agrarian Economics

  Hrabrin Bashev — Institute of Agrarian Economics

  THE NATURE AND ASSESSMENT OF AGRI-FOOD GOVERNANCE

  Abstract ▾ PDF

  стр. 195-221

  There are intense ongoing debates about the importance and quality of agri-food governance, and these have not gone unnoticed in Bulgaria. There is no suitable Bulgarian translation for the word governance, and many inaccurate terms are used such as managing, management, leadership, directing, regulating, regime, etc. In order to accurately reveal the essence of this category and avoid misunderstandings with researchers in other fields, this article uses the term governance. It adapts the methodology of New Institutional Economics and offers a holistic framework for an adequate understanding of agri-food governance and for assessing its quality. Agri-food governance is defined as a complex system with five main components: (1) agrarian and related agents, (2) the means (rules, forms, and mechanisms) that govern agents' behavior, activities, and relationships, (3) processes and activities associated with decision-making, (4) a specific social order resulting from the governance process, and (5) the system’s performance results in relation to the realization of sustainable development goals. To assess the quality of agri-food governance, a multidimensional hierarchical system of principles, criteria, indicators, and reference values for good governance is suggested. The initial assessment of the quality of agri-food governance in Bulgaria, based on expert and statistical data, shows that it is at an average (European) level. In terms of sustainability, the quality is at a good level, while it is at a satisfactory level in terms of processes, means, and order. The Bulgarian agri-food governance strengths are in terms of equity and solidarity, in addition to a well-functioning public sector; its weaknesses are in stakeholder engagement and private sector efficiency.

• Alessandro Morselli — University of Rome Sapienza

  PAOLO SYLOS-LABINI’S CONTRIBUTION TO AND AFFINITIES FOR INSTITUTIONAL ECONOMIC THOUGHT

  Abstract ▾ PDF

  стр. 222-240

  The text proposes a study of Sylos-Labini’s interdisciplinary orientation and how this relates to the institutional approach. Sylos-Labini’s multi-disciplinary approach seems to stand between Old Institutional Economics and New Institutional Economics. He states that an interdisciplinary approach, in which economic theory is juxtaposed with history, sociology, anthropology, and empirical research, is realistic and does not entail any limitation on the production of scientific knowledge. Thus, Sylos-Labini seems to be more interested in the old institutionalist school and sociology than new institutional economics and the theory of firms and contracts. Therefore, this paper investigates whether Sylos-Labini’s multidisciplinary approach to economics can represent a possible bridge between Old Institutional Economics and New Institutional Economics.

• Ani Dimitrova — PhD, is Chief Assistant Professor at the Department "Regional and Sector Economics", Economic Research Institute at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. ORCID 0000-0002-6989-567X

  Atanas Pavlov — Economic Research Institute at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences

  АNIMAL AND VEGETAL WASTE GENERATED BY EU MEMBER STATES IN THE PERIOD 2016 – 2020

  Abstract ▾ PDF

  стр. 241-256

  Waste generation poses a significant challenge in today’s world, prompting ongoing efforts to find effective solutions. While different countries have made varying progress in addressing this issue, environmental protection and the enhancement of food product quality remain key drivers. Notably, the agricultural sector enjoys an advantage: a relatively small proportion of its waste is hazardous. In fact, most of the waste generated is both safe and recyclable. Proper management of processing procedures is crucial to unlock its potential for widespread utilization across diverse economic activities and in various forms. This study aims to track the trends and compare agricultural waste generation in Bulgaria with that of the other EU Member States. It spans the years 2016, 2018, and 2020, analysing waste data by type for each year. Using available Eurostat data, the authors have made their own calculations. The findings underscore the importance of addressing waste management promptly, emphasizing the need to limit and minimize waste generation within the European Union during the specified period.