Civil Szemle

Civil Society as the Arena of the New European Climate Hegemony

Mihail Caradaica — h, 24 jún 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Using a neo-Gramscian approach, this paper explores the concept of civil society as an arena where European climate hegemony is built. The EU’s green transition, which involves deep social and economic transformations, needs extensive popular support to avoid social instability and the rise of populist parties. To achieve this, the European Commission is trying to construct a counter-hegemonic discourse that challenges the traditional modes of a fossil fuel-based economy by creating an alliance of actors around the ideology of just transition. Therefore, the study addresses the following research question: who are the change agents within European civil society that have aligned with the alliance, and how is fostering a counter-hegemonic discourse against the traditional economic model? By employing a qualitative methodological approach, the study explores the crucial function of civil society in the European green transition, exposing the most important agents and how these agents facilitate the formation of a new climate hegemony.

Cultivating Civic Engagement

Magdalena Albulescu — h, 24 jún 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In contemporary society, the concept of civic engagement appears as an essential condition for the functioning of democracy and social well-being. Civic engagement transcends simple participation in the electoral process and encompasses a wider spectrum of activities: civic and community participation, activism, and public dialogue. Thus, cultivating civic engagement is a mission, duty, and responsibility for universities, particularly for social science programs. They derive from the need to form and shape not only professionals but also responsible and involved people from a civic and social point of view. However, the mechanisms by which higher education institutions can effectively cultivate such engagement among students remain a subject of debate and investigation. This study seeks to bridge this gap by exploring the strategies used by universities to promote civic awareness among students. Methodologically, this article proposes a study on one of the most important universities in the field of social, political, and administrative sciences in Romania. By analyzing the perceptions and experiences of students, the research provides new empirical data on how educational practices influencing civic and political engagement are evolving, or, conversely, reveals institutional shortcomings in fulfilling the mission of promoting civic engagement among students. In this sense, a standardized questionnaire was distributed to the students from the political science bachelor's degree program to analyze their perceptions and experiences regarding how the study programs and the teachers' activity incorporate the component of civic and political involvement. Data analysis highlights how and if higher education programs cultivate and shape student engagement through academic programs, extracurricular activities, or community partnerships.

Green Policies, Gray Areas

Vlad Bujdei-Tebeica — h, 24 jún 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This paper presents a comparative analysis of farmer protests across seven European countries (France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Poland, and Romania) from late 2023 to early 2024, focusing on the intersection of anti-environmentalist discourse and Euroscepticism within these movements. Amidst growing tensions between agricultural practices and environmental policies, these protests highlight how civil society can pose a threat to the implementation of environmental policy across the European Union (EU). Utilizing discourse analysis and comparative methodology, the paper examines the platforms and public statements of the protesting groups to identify core themes of resistance against environmental regulations and EU agricultural policies. Furthermore, it incorporates a Euroscepticism lens to explore how anti-EU sentiments exacerbate the protests, reflecting broader issues of sovereignty, identity, and economic survival in the face of EU-wide policy directives. Our findings suggest that while environmental policy concerns are at the forefront, a significant undercurrent of Euroscepticism influences the discourse and demands of these protests, presenting a multifaceted challenge for EU policymakers. By analyzing these protests in a comparative context, this study contributes to the understanding of contemporary European social movements and the intricate balance between environmental sustainability and agricultural livelihoods within the EU policy framework.

How Civil Societies Are Undermined

Eugen Gabor — h, 24 jún 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Several studies highlight the fact that the first decades of the 21st century are characterized by a resurgence of authoritarianism, which contradicts the optimistic visions of the 1990s regarding the so-called end of history. For instance, Freedom House argues, presenting relevant data, that since 2006, a process of democratic backsliding has been in place worldwide. Not only developing countries or regions are affected but also countries in Europe and Northern America, where democracy once seemed inexpugnable. This illiberal wave thrives on the weaknesses of civil societies and has the effect of further reducing the dimensions of the civic space. Although those who promote open societies are on the defensive, their cause is far from being an obsolete remnant of the second half of the 20th century. However, their endeavors can be ineffective if the causes of the antidemocratic forces’ success are not properly acknowledged. The main goal of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of the factors that are vital for building or strengthening closed societies. To shape relevant conclusions, we analyze information from projects like People Power under Attack, realized by the CIVICUS global civil society network or V-Dem (The Varieties of Democracy), managed by an institute affiliated with the University of Gothenburg (Sweden). We focus especially on countries that experienced sharp transformations regarding the state of their civil societies in the last 3–5 years. Our findings underline, among others, the importance of the electoral process and foreign policy influencing the evolution of the civic space. Cases like the Czech Republic suggest that the decline of civil society can be stopped at the polls. The Russian Federation is an example of a successful suspension of civic freedoms under the pretext of protecting the population from toxic foreign interference.

The contribution of civil society organisations to the implementation of the principles of good governance at the local level

Vanya Kashukeeva-Nusheva — h, 24 jún 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The article examines the contribution of civil society organizations to the implementation of the principles of good governance at the local level. The analysis is based on the results of a comparative study on the interaction between civil society organizations and local authorities in the twenty-seven largest municipalities in Bulgaria, which are regional centers. The research presents data on the forms of citizen participation in outlining policies for the development of local communities, modernization of local government institutions, and increasing the accountability of local authorities. The article is based on comparative research data of international NGOs that not only conduct research in this field but also implement initiatives to improve the interaction between civil society and public institutions at the local level. In this regard, the major focus is presented on the good practices identified in the Local Integrity System Index – a comparative study of Transparency International – Bulgaria, which is the national chapter of the international anticorruption organization Transparency International.

Civic Engagement and Cultural Heritage

Bogdan Berceanu — h, 24 jún 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In the current global context, the cultural sector faces various challenges related to funding, access, and participation. This paper aims to identify potential pathways for civic initiatives. The purpose of this narrative article is to discuss the role of civic engagement in protecting cultural heritage goods when public authorities fail to do so. The Romanian Law of Preserving Cultural Monuments is central to this discussion. It delineates the responsibilities of both governmental and non-governmental entities in safeguarding the nation's cultural heritage. Thus, the Herculane Project- situated in Băile Herculane (Herculane Baths), initiated by a Romanian non-governmental organization (NGO) offers invaluable lessons on the dynamics between civil society, public administration authorities, and the preservation of cultural monuments. The work presents a qualitative analysis of the mechanisms through which civic engagement has influenced the trajectory of the Herculane Project. It explores how local communities, NGOs, and grassroots movements have mobilized to advocate for the preservation of Băile Herculane's cultural heritage. The conclusion of this paper aims to demonstrate the relevance of contemporary civil societies in preserving cultural heritage goods. It underlines how the best practices employed by the NGO in charge of the Herculane Project can be applied to other cases while considering the dynamics of cultural heritage preservation.

From Civil Society Organisations to Pirate Parties to Digital Democracy

Zoltan Zakota — h, 24 jún 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Reshaping our political and social systems for a sustainable future requires a multifaceted approach that addresses several key areas, such as: political reform, social change, economic development, environmental preservation, or technological innovation. In order to achieve a sustainable future, we need to implement its ideals in every societal sector. When dealing with the political system, we cannot ignore the antidemocratic tendencies arising or taking over our everyday life even in the Western World. Under these circumstances, political reform is a must and we have to admit that one of its most important tasks is strengthening democracy. The actual political discourse is full of ideas like proportional representation, direct democracy, sustainability-focused governance, transparency, accountability, and equity. Among the many actors that try to solve these problems there is a group that proposes some new solutions, based on the means of Information Society, Pirate Parties. Emerging from the digital world, they are a fresh wave of political movements with deep roots in online activism. These parties, some born from anti-establishment protests, have rapidly spread across the globe in just two decades. Their journey is one of transformation, from grassroots movements to established political players. Pirate Parties have a clear digital agenda, focusing on issues like copyright reform, open access to information, and online privacy. They champion net neutrality and the free flow of knowledge. However, most of them have recognized the importance of broader democratic values for political success. Beyond their digital focus, Pirate Parties also advocate for traditional democratic ideals, including civil rights, transparency, and combating corruption. They promote free speech, direct democracy, and exploring alternative forms of citizen participation in government, often leveraging technology (e-democracy). The future impact of Pirate Parties remains uncertain, but their influence is undeniable. They’ve challenged traditional political norms and brought issues of the digital age to the forefront. Pirate Parties have reshaped the European political landscape and inspired similar movements around the world. My paper aims to briefly present these political formations, with special regard to their origins in and their relations with civil society. After outlining the broad framework, I present some of the most notorious of these formations.

Mediterranean migrations: NGO as the voice of the voiceless?

Daniela La Foresta, Maria Nicola Buonocore — h, 24 jún 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The Mediterranean Sea has always represented a unique melting pot of cultures and peoples, holding a strategic position: since the mid-1990s it has been the preferred route for migrants to reach the European continent. Adverse weather conditions overcrowded and illegal routes, as well as the difficult management of the emergency by the EU, make the Mediterranean one of the most dangerous routes, with reports of migrant accidents being an everyday occurrence. Since 2014, approximately 29.000 migrants have gone missing or died in the Mediterranean, with the highest number of fatalities recorded in 2016 and the central route (UNHCR, 2022). The complexity of the situation indicates how it cannot be solved solely by the countries most affected by the phenomenon: indeed, cooperation and coordination with states, NGOs, and other maritime agencies are necessary. NGOs play a central role in the management of the situation, with the Council of Europe calling on states to cooperate constructively with NGOs to ensure the effective protection of human rights. Approximately 38 NGO ships conducted SAR operations in the Mediterranean Sea between 2016 and 2022 (FRA). This research aims to analyze the online communication of the pre-eminent NGOs that operate in the Mediterranean Sea. Greater importance is attributed to communication strategies: through them, organizations can spread their values and promote their actions, while raising public awareness. Thus, the focus is on the core online communication tactics used to achieve their goals.

Shaping Romania's National Recovery and Resilience Plan

Nicolae Toderaș — h, 24 jún 2024 00:00:00 +0000

During the shaping of Romania’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), an environment conducive to the creation of institutional arrangements for socio-centric governance was established. However, these arrangements were not enduring and could not modify the specific path dependency of state-centric governance arrangements. This research presents and analyzes perceptions regarding the extent and way Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) were engaged in the shaping process of Romania’s NRRP. Based on semi-structured interviews with the relevant CSOs, factors that have influenced the involvement of CSOs in shaping Romania’s NRRP about other European fund programming processes, the lessons learned from this process, as well as possibilities of enhancing the current governance regime specific to European funds management were examined.

Collaboration and innovation in social services: hybrid organizations and areas of interaction

Milena Hristova Yorgova — k, 25 jún 2024 09:41:51 +0000

Welfare states in modern European societies face serious economic, political, and demographic challenges. This requires new frameworks of cooperation and innovation, as well as a higher degree of interaction between the state, the market, and civil society. Civil sector organizations respond to dynamic changes with hybridization. The research interest has been provoked by the expanded use of their hybrid potential to reduce social and economic risk and vulnerability.

Fostering Democratic Values for the Future

Mihaela V. Cărăuşan — k, 25 jún 2024 09:31:41 +0000

delving into the subjects that contribute to the democratic values frame. We will investigate the active role of individuals in shaping cultural norms and emphasize the importance of their participation in manifesting democratic power within the state. Moreover, the study questions whether the education system effectively prepares the future generation to be responsible members of society. The paper starts with the concept of co-creation and assesses whether individuals are ready to understand or know its implications. It reviews the empowerment of individuals as active decision-makers in societal processes and their ability to critically reflect on social movements and evolution. Furthermore, the research explores whether the upcoming generation possesses values that enable them to reject or aspire to different ideologies. In addressing the relationship between individuals and civil society, the paper investigates when and how nongovernmentalorganizations play a role in the education of future generations' values. An essential aspect of the study is an analysis of the education system's contribution to promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Romania. The research evaluates whether citizens have the necessary values to protect and support a sustainable future. The methodological framework for the paper is structured around a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, such as literature and document review, content and comparative analysis, and a multidisciplinary approach to gather comprehensive insights. Through this comprehensive examination, the paper aims to contribute valuable insights and recommendations for enhancing Romania's preuniversity education system, strengthening civil society, and promoting a sustainable future.

How can we halve food waste by 2030 in a consumerist world?

Nicoleta Nicolae-Ioana — k, 25 jún 2024 09:21:59 +0000

The United Nations’ target for halving Food Waste (FW) and the related actions required by the 2030 Agenda should be achieved in just six years, and there is a lot to be done. Considering that FW worldwide is causing 8% to 10% of GHG, the phenomenon has become a preoccupation for the European Union (EU). As a member state, Romania is aligned with the EU policy lines regarding environment and sustainable development. Bearing in mind the consumption-based economic model, the governmental approaches, and challenges regarding environmental and sustainable development issues, a robust civil society is needed to influence the adoption of efficacious and improved public policies regarding FW and to contribute to maintaining green topics on the public agenda. This paper aims to identify the factors that explain civil society's ability to influence public policies on FW and keep these green topics on the governmental agenda. In this sense, I have carried out a literature review to identify the current situation and the levers available to Romanian civil society and data analysis. Data was gathered via 11 semi-structured in-depth interviews with representatives of central public authorities, HoReCa, civil society, and Romanian consumers conducted in the spring of 2022 for my dissertation paper. The interviews revealed that civil society as a soft power can influence Romanian public policies regarding FW and has a crucial role in covering the critical areas of education, communication, awareness, and changing consumer behavior. Moreover, the data underlines that, second to the central authorities, civil society is the next stakeholder responsible for taking action to reduce FW. The development and evolution of a solid and vigilant civil society is essential for influencing the adoption of effective and improved public policies regarding FW and contributes to maintaining green topics on the public agenda to achieve the ambitious goals set by the international community, which aim at the well-being of people, and the Planet, but also of the future generations.

The influence of cultural dimensions on social enterpriser models

Antonio D'Alessio, Alexandra Zbuchea, Alessandro Scaletti — k, 25 jún 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In the current context of increasing social inequalities and global economic fragility, the social economy represents a new economic model with people at its center. It promotes poverty reduction, a transition towards sustainable cities and communities, and responsible consumption and production. In recent years, various social economy initiatives have been developed in the European Union, inspired by the community's legislative and regulatory framework. European social economy development follows different rhythms due to the socio-economic, cultural, and political diversity of various Member States. However, this diversity is often overlooked in academic literature, which tends to focus on individual country-level examinations. To address this gap, a comparative study was conducted between Italy and Romania, two culturally different countries with varying levels of economic development. This study aims to investigate the relationships between Hofstede's cultural factors and dominant social enterprise models for each country. A descriptive analysis of the two contexts was conducted to determine if cultural factors influence one social enterprise model over another. The study sheds light on how social economy manifests uniquely across diverse cultural settings. The findings may be useful for political leaders when selecting appropriate policies and development strategies for the social economy, to achieve a unified and shared vision and definition.

Keywords: Social enterprise, culture, comparative study, European Union, social economy.