Resilience, Language, and Democracy: Constitutional Identity and Continuity in Times of Crisis – Case Study of Finland and Montenegro

This article showcases the heuristic utility of the concepts of resilience and constitutional identity in explaining democratic endurance during societal crises. Societal resilience depends on sustaining constitutional identity through adaptive, inclusive narratives, with language serving as the medium of collective memory and self-reinterpretation. This study explores whether linguistic pluralism fortifies or erodes democratic endurance at critical junctures. A structured focused comparison examines Finland (post-independence) and Montenegro (post-independence), two states marked by linguistic diversity yet divergent official-language regimes, drawing on constitutional texts, historical records, and theoretical lenses from Bergson’s durée, Frankl’s logotherapy, and Rosenfeld’s constitutional identity framework. Findings show that Finland’s bilingual constitutional model—treating both national languages as co-equal within a civic “we”—preserved legitimacy and cohesion across wars and geopolitical tensions. In contrast, Montenegro’s elevation of a single, minority, and symbolically charged official language contributed to lasting identitarian dissonance and to the weakening of the civic constitutional project, even in peacetime. Inclusive linguistic policy thus sustains interpretive freedom and adaptive continuity; symbolic uniformity, however, rigidifies identity, amplifies dissonance, and undermines resilience

Who Speaks for the Western Balkans? Cultural Representation and the Idea of Europe in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Beginning with the genealogy of the Idea of Europe, understood as both a philosophical concept and the normative standard underpinning the European Union, this paper traces its mythical roots in ancient Greece, its philosophical elaborations, and its eventual institutional embodiment in the EU, with a primary focus on its connection to the cultural representation of the Western Balkans. Special attention is devoted to the question of center and periphery, situating the Balkans as a historically marginalized region within the European cultural imaginary. Through a case study centered on Bosnia and Herzegovina, while also incorporating examples from the wider Western Balkans, the paper analyzes cultural production as a site where European identity and associated ideological frameworks are negotiated, contested, and reimagined. The aim is not to reproduce formal discussions of EU conditionality, but to engage with the deeper layers of cultural practices and symbolic representations. By highlighting both dominant and alternative cultural trends, the paper assesses the attitude and relationship of the Balkans towards the EU and the Idea of Europe, while noting the selective and sometimes contradictory ways the EU invokes the Idea of Europe. The analysis seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of how Balkan cultural representation reflects, challenges, and potentially enriches the European project. Finally, the study emphasizes the political significance of cultural representation, offering insights and recommendations for cultural policy in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider region, demonstrating how cultural identity can inform both domestic and regional strategies for engagement with European norms

Trials in Absentia for War Crimes in Kosovo: Accountability, Fair Trial Guarantees, and European Human Rights Standards

The pursuit of justice for war crimes in the Western Balkans, particularly Kosovo remains riddled with complex challenges, reflective of broader tensions between peace, accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights. While political agreements can end hostilities, true reconciliation depends on the delivery of credible criminal justice—particularly in the context of post-conflict societies. One of the most contentious tools in this process is the use of trials in absentia, whereby proceedings continue despite the accused’s absence. Although such trials are a pragmatic response to the realities of non-cooperation, cross-border fugitives, and impunity, they raise significant concerns regarding the right to a fair trial, the effectiveness of accountability mechanisms, and, most critically, the compatibility of these proceedings with international human rights standards as established in instruments such as the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). This article focuses on the situation in Kosovo as an example within the Western Balkans, where post-conflict justice mechanisms and trials in absentia have become particularly relevant. The article examines these legal and ethical dilemmas, interrogating whether in absentia trials can deliver justice without sacrificing fundamental due process guarantees or undermining the legitimacy of the rule of law in the region

Aspects of the Identity of Hungarians in Vojvodina: Past and Present

The Hungarian identity in Vojvodina is shaped by a complex interplay of historical, social, political, and geographical factors. Originating in the late 19th century, it was strongly connected to Hungarian nationalism and culture, supported by social organizations rooted in the Enlightenment ideals. The Treaty of Trianon disrupted this, causing loss of Hungarian citizenship and forcing a shift toward a regional identity rooted in Vojvodina while retaining Hungarian cultural elements. During Yugoslav rule, political pressures and assimilation weakened Hungarian cultural identity, although regional identity among Hungarians strengthened. Post-1990s regime changes and the breakup of Yugoslavia saw the Hungarian minority regain cultural autonomy, reinforced by religious revival, support from Hungary, and policies favoring simplified naturalization. Despite ongoing challenges such as economic difficulties, population decline, and migration, Hungarian identity in Vojvodina remains dynamic, characterized by a layered sense of belonging that balances national, regional, and transnational influences amid broader European integration processes. This evolution reflects how ethnic identity adapts to shifting political landscapes and cultural contexts over time

Hidden Potential : Unpacking the Causes of Labor Force Inactivity in Western Balkan Countries

Labor force participation in the Western Balkans remains uneven, with persistent gender gaps and significant variation across countries. This study investigates the determinants of labor market activity among men and women in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Kosovo, highlighting structural, demographic, and cultural factors that shape engagement. Using data from the European Values Survey (EVS) and applying binary logistic regression models, both pooled and country-specific, the analysis examines the effects of gender, age, education, marital status, household composition, parental background, economic conditions, and gender role attitudes on the likelihood of being active in the labor market. Results show that men are consistently more likely to participate than women, with female inactivity strongly associated with unpaid care giving responsibilities and traditional gender norms. Labor market participation generally follows an inverted-U trajectory, peaking in mid-adulthood (ages 36–43) and declining thereafter. Education increases the probability of activity, though more strongly for men, while household factors such as the presence of children and spouse activity exert heterogeneous effects across countries. Parental employment at age of 14 of the respondents also influences adult activity, highlighting intergenerational effects. Country-specific analysis reveals that cultural norms, labor market structures, and social policies mediate these patterns, with Kosovo and Albania showing particularly low female engagement and Hungary exhibiting a narrower gender gap. The findings underscore the need for policies that expand access to childcare, promote flexible work arrangements, and address normative constraints to enhance labor force participation and reduce gender disparities. Overall, labor market outcomes in the region reflect the interplay of demographic, structural, and cultural factors, emphasizing the importance of tailored, context-sensitive intervention

A kereskedelmi bankok számlanyitási akcióinak megítélése

Our study uses bibliometric analysis and an online survey to investigate account-opening promotions in retail banking. A VOSviewer-based Web of Science data analysis identified four main clusters: consumer behaviour and loyalty, price and cost factors, service quality and trust, and switching mechanisms. Our online questionnaire, conducted in summer 2025 with 1,613 respondents, revealed that while 66% had encountered such promotions, only 11.8% opened a new account. Promotions were most effective among respondents aged 40-59, with higher income, tertiary education, and urban residence. Participants generally perceived the offers as favourable business opportunities, though many retained their former bank accounts. Findings highlight that the effectiveness of promotions depends on reducing switching costs, ensuring service quality, and strengthening consumer trust.Kutatásunk célja a kereskedelmi bankok számlanyitási akcióinak vizsgálata volt bibliometriai elemzés és online kérdőíves felmérés alapján. A Web of Science adatbázisra épülő VOSviewer-elemzés négy fő klasztert azonosított: fogyasztói magatartás és lojalitás, ár- és költségtényezők, szolgáltatásminőség és bizalom, valamint a váltási döntések mechanizmusai. 2025 nyarán online kérdőívünket 1613 fő töltötte ki. A válaszadók 66%-a találkozott számlanyitási akcióval, azonban ténylegesen csak 11,8% nyitott új számlát. A promóciók főként a 40-59 éves, magasabb jövedelmű, felsőfokú végzettségű és városi válaszadókat érték el. A résztvevők többsége kedvező üzleti lehetőségként tekintett a promóciókra, bár sokan megtartották korábbi bankszámlájukat is. Eredményeink alapján a promóciók sikeressége a váltási költségek csökkentésétől, a szolgáltatásminőségtől és a bizalom erősítésétől függ

Border Incidents and Border Crossings in the Baja Triangle Border Area (1948–1953)

The study examines border incidents, border violations, and illegal border crossings that occurred during the Soviet–Yugoslav conflict (1948–1953) on the Hungarian–Yugoslav border adjacent to the Baja Triangle, based on documents from the National Command of the Hungarian Border Guard. The border incidents took various forms. Most of them can be considered minor provocations, but there were more serious cases, too. After they were detected, illegal border violations were always followed by extensive raids lasting up to several days. Initially, the local population did not assist the border guards, but a change can be observed from 1951 onwards

Optimization of Operational Parameters to Enhance Ultrafiltration Efficiency Using Dairy Wastewater Model

Ultrafiltration is a key technology for treating dairy wastewater; however, its efficiency is often hindered by critical challenges such as membrane fouling and concentration polarization. To mitigate these issues, one effective approach involves optimizing operational parameters to enhance system performance and longevity. In this study the influence of key operational parameters on the performance of a lab-scale low-pressure ultrafiltration membrane system for treating dairy wastewater model were investigated. The optimization focused on three critical factors: transmembrane pressure (TMP), stirring speed, and membrane molecular weight cut-off (MWCO). Key performance metrics, including permeate flux, membrane retention efficiency, and total, reversible, and irreversible membrane resistances, were analyzed. The results showed that the optimal conditions were identified using a 20 kDa polyethersulfone membrane, with a TMP of 0.3 MPa and a stirring speed of 400 rpm. Statistical analysis was conducted to further refine and validate the optimization of these parameters

Változó társadalmi attitűdök az önvezető járművek iránt: Egy új korszak kezdete

The proliferation of self-driving cars is causing mixed feelings among people. While many people are excited about the advances in technology and the comfort and safety it promises, others are concerned about the potential dangers of autonomous vehicles and the impact they could have on human jobs and infrastructure. In recent years, there have been many signs that people are gradually switching to new technologies. For example, fewer and fewer people are watching linear TV, while the popularity of online streaming services is steadily increasing. Likewise, digital money is increasingly replacing traditional cash, and the emergence of autonomous vehicles could bring similar changes in transport habits and infrastructure. Studying adoption and analysing attitudes is key to understanding and accepting technological change. Key barriers to technology adoption and diffusion include ethical and legal issues that need to be clarified in order to effectively integrate new technologies into our daily lives. These issues include the liability of self-driving cars in the event of accidents, data protection and privacy regulations, and the ethical choices of autonomous vehicles. The research methodology involves a combination of primary and secondary data, and the use of a simple sample-based questionnaire survey is a reasonable approach in the light of available resources. Interpretative research approaches and identification of patterns can help to develop future action plans and guide technology development. In addition, it is important to move decisively and consciously in the direction of technological development, taking into account people’s needs and expectations, and ensuring that ethical and legal frameworks are respected. The survey includes the views of more than 3000 respondents over the last 5 years, so that change can be tracked. The adoption of self-driving cars has also been influenced by the emergence of the Covid-19 epidemic, as the isolation and distance from others has increased the adoption of technologies where there is the potential for distance

The Future of Augmented Reality Application Development Trends and Opportunities

The future of augmented reality (AR) application development is being shaped by emerging trends and expanding opportunities across various industries. In this study, key advancements in AR technology, including artificial intelligence integration, cloud computing, and 5G connectivity, are examined. The increasing adoption of AR in sectors such as healthcare, education, retail, and manufacturing are highlighted, emphasizing its role in enhancing user experiences and operational efficiency. The challenges related to hardware limitations, data security, and user privacy are also discussed. A review of current development frameworks and platforms is conducted, showcasing the evolution of AR tools and their impact on accessibility for developers. The shift toward web-based and cross-platform AR solutions is explored, demonstrating the growing demand for seamless and scalable applications. Additionally, opportunities for innovation in AR content creation, user interaction, and enterprise applications are identified. Through an analysis of these trends, it is concluded that AR development will continue to evolve, driven by advancements in computing power, sensor technology, and user demand. It is suggested that collaboration between researchers, developers, and businesses will play a crucial role in overcoming existing barriers and unlocking the full potential of AR applications in the future