Javnofinancijski novčani tokovi proračuna EU i njihov utjecaj na likvidnost nacionalnog proračuna: primjer Slovenije

On May 1, 2004 ten new states joined the EU. At the same time, budgetary cash flow mechanisms between the EU budget (as the central subject) and national budgets were established. Despite the fact that all the rules are clear and known in advance - stipulated by the EU directives and regulations - there are some uncertainties, which may have an important effect on the liquidity as well as on the budgetary cash flows in new member states. The greatest problem for the liquidity of new member states’ budgets is posed by the time lags between inflows and outflows of EU funds. These lags are mainly because of delayed payments from the EU budget and problems with some member state’s absorption capacity. This article deals with the dynamics and the scale of budgetary cash flows between the Slovenian budget and the EU budget until 2006. A couple of likely scenarios are presented, which could happen in case of delayed payments of European funds. Consequently, both an unexpected state budget liquidity deficit and an additional burden arising from interest on delayed payments to the Brussels are possible for Slovenia.Europskoj uniji 1. svibnja 2004. godine priključilo se deset novih država. U isto vrijeme uspostavljeni su i javnofinancijski novčani tokovi između proračuna EU kao središnjeg subjekta i nacionalnih proračuna. Iako su sva pravila jasna i unaprijed poznata - definirana direktivama i uredbama EU, ostaje nekoliko nejasnoća, koje mogu značajno utjecati na likvidnost kao i javnofinancijski položaj proračuna novih članica. Najveći problem za likvidnost proračuna novih članica EU pretstavlja vremenska neusklađenost između priliva i odliva europskih sredstava, do koje dolazi posebno zbog vremenskog kašnjenja naplata iz europskog proračuna i slabe apsorbcijske sposobnosti, odnosno sposobnosti preuzimanja tih sredstava iz europskih fondova. Članak analizira dinamiku i predviđeni opseg javnofinancijskih novčanih tokova između proračuna Slovenije i proračuna EU do 2006. godine. Predstavljeno je nekoliko scenarija, do kojih bi moglo doći zbog zakašnjenja kod isplata europskih sredstava. Posljedica toga mogli bi biti nepredvidivi deficiti državnog proračuna i dodatni teret naplata zakasnjelih kamata u briselsku blagajnu

Absorption von EU-Fördermitteln: Institutionale Regelung und Erfolg am Beispiel Irlands, Estlands und Sloweniens

The enlargement of the EU by ten new member states in 2004 increased the importance of the EU cohesion policy; however, the readiness of these states to absorb the funds has not been adequate. Consequently, their absorption capacity has been relatively low. An analysis was made which states the importance of institutional settings for the efficiency of absorbing funds. With this purpose in mind, we first closely examined the most successful countries in absorbing EU funds. These were: Ireland as the leading country among the EU-15 and Estonia and Slovenia as the leading countries among the EU-10. Ireland has a decentralized managing system with several managing authorities and paying authorities, also on the regional level, while Estonia and Slovenia have a more centralized system on a national level. Regarding the current implementation system and absorption success in these three countries, we cannot determine which of the three presented implementation structures is more effective and advisable for improving the absorption of EU funds. We came to the conclusion that even different implementation structures can lead to high absorption results.Proširenje Europske Unije na deset novih članica 2004. godine povećalo je važnost politike kohezije EU-a; ipak, spremnost tih zemalja da primaju novčana sredstva iz fondova nije se pokazala dostatnom. Tako je njihov kapacitet apsorpcije do sada bio razmjerno 1237 nizak. Napravljena je analiza koja govori o važnosti institucionalnih okvira za uspješnu apsorpciju sredstava. Imajući to na umu, prvo smo pomno promotrili najuspješnije zemlje u apsorpciji fondova EU-a. To su bile: Irska, kao vodeća zemlja me|u EU-15 te Estonija i Slovenija kao vodeće zemlje unutar EU-10. Irska ima decentraliziran sustav upravljanja, s više upravljačkih i financijskih struktura, i to na regionalnim razinama, dok Estonija i Slovenija imaju sustave više centralizirane na nacionalnoj razini. Promatrajući sadašnji sustav primjene i uspješnost apsorpcije u tim trima zemljama, ne možemo utvrditi koje su od tri predstavljene implementacijske strukture uspješnije i koje je uputno preporučiti za unapre|enje apsorpcije fondova EU-a. Naš je zaključak da i različite implementacijske strukture mogu dovesti do visokih rezultata apsorpcije.Die Ausweitung der EU und der Beitritt von zehn neuen Mitgliedstaaten im Jahr 2004 hat die Aktualität der EUKohäsionspolitik erhöht; jedoch hat sich die Kapazität dieser Länder, Fördermittel aus EU-Fonds in ihre Modernisierung zu investieren, als unzulänglich erwiesen. Dementsprechend war das Absorptionsvermögen bisher relativ gering. Die vorgenommene Analyse widmet sich der Bedeutung des institutionalen Rahmens für eine erfolgreiche Absorption der genannten Fördermittel. Vor diesem Hintergrund wurden zunächst die in dieser Hinsicht erfolgreichsten Länder untersucht. Das sind: Irland als das führende Land der EU-15-Staaten sowie Estland und Slowenien als die führenden Staaten der EU-10 (EU-Erweiterung 2004). Irland hat ein dezentralisiertes Verwaltungssystem mit mehreren Verwaltungs- und Finanzstrukturen auf regionaler Ebene, während Estland und Slowenien über ein eher zentralisiertes Verwaltungssystem auf nationaler Ebene verfügen. Betrachtet man den aktuellen Stand in der Umsetzung von EUFördermitteln und das Absorptionsvermögen der erwähnten Staaten, so lässt sich nicht mit Bestimmtheit sagen, welche der drei Implementierungsstrukturen die erfolgreichste und als nachahmungswert zu empfehlen ist. Die Verfasser dieser Studie kommen zu dem Schluss, dass auch völlig unterschiedliche Implementierungsstrukturen zu hochwertigen Ergebnissen bei der Absorption von Fördermitteln führen können

Multilevel analysis of COVID-19 vaccination intention

Predictors of COVID-19 (coronavirus) vaccination have been extensively researchedhowever, the contextual factors contributing to understanding vaccination intention remain largely unexplored. The present study aimed to investigate the moderating role of economic development (Gross domestic product - GDP per capita), economic inequality (Gini index), the perceived corruption index and Hofstede’s measurements of cultural values—index of individualism/collectivism and power distance index—in the relationship between determinants of satisfaction with the healthcare system, trust in political institutions, conspiracy beliefs and COVID-19 vaccination intention. Methods: A multilevel modelling approach was employed on a sample of approximately 51 000 individuals nested within 26 countries. Data were drawn from the European Social Survey Round 10. The model examined the effect of individual- and country-level predictors and their interaction on vaccination intention. Results: Satisfaction with the healthcare system had a stronger positive effect on intention to get vaccinated in countries with lower perceived corruption and more individualistic countries. Trust in political institutions had a stronger positive effect on vaccination intention in countries with higher economic development and lower perceived corruption, while a negative effect of conspiracy beliefs on vaccination intention was stronger in countries with lower economic development, higher perceived corruption and a more collectivistic cultural orientation. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the importance of considering individual and contextual factors when addressing vaccination intention

Ideological differences in COVID-19 vaccine intention

Introduction: Politically left-leaning individuals are more likely to get vaccinated against COVID-19, although little is known about the mechanisms underlying the ideological differences in vaccination intentions. Understanding the extent to which trust in the healthcare system, in complementary and alternative medicine, and the perceived threat from the disease contribute to these disparities is crucial, as it could inform targeted interventions to address vaccine hesitancy across the political spectrum. Methods: The present cross-sectional study conducted among adults living in Slovenia (n  =  858) examined the mediating role of trust in the healthcare system, trust in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and the perceived threat from the virus on COVID-19 vaccination intention. Results: We found that leftist ideology and trust in the healthcare system positively predicted vaccination intention, whereas CAM negatively predicted this intention. In addition, left-leaning individuals expressed greater trust in the healthcare system and lower trust in CAM, resulting in higher levels of COVID-19 vaccination intention. The serial mediation model confirmed that trust in CAM was a negative predictor, while trust in the healthcare system positively predicted perceived threat. Discussion: When dealing with vaccine hesitancy among right-oriented individuals, strategies should focus on enhancing trust in the healthcare system and critically evaluating the reliance on CAM

Javnofinancijski novčani tokovi proračuna EU i njihov utjecaj na likvidnost nacionalnog proračuna: primjer Slovenije

On May 1, 2004 ten new states joined the EU. At the same time, budgetary cash flow mechanisms between the EU budget (as the central subject) and national budgets were established. Despite the fact that all the rules are clear and known in advance - stipulated by the EU directives and regulations - there are some uncertainties, which may have an important effect on the liquidity as well as on the budgetary cash flows in new member states. The greatest problem for the liquidity of new member states’ budgets is posed by the time lags between inflows and outflows of EU funds. These lags are mainly because of delayed payments from the EU budget and problems with some member state’s absorption capacity. This article deals with the dynamics and the scale of budgetary cash flows between the Slovenian budget and the EU budget until 2006. A couple of likely scenarios are presented, which could happen in case of delayed payments of European funds. Consequently, both an unexpected state budget liquidity deficit and an additional burden arising from interest on delayed payments to the Brussels are possible for Slovenia.Europskoj uniji 1. svibnja 2004. godine priključilo se deset novih država. U isto vrijeme uspostavljeni su i javnofinancijski novčani tokovi između proračuna EU kao središnjeg subjekta i nacionalnih proračuna. Iako su sva pravila jasna i unaprijed poznata - definirana direktivama i uredbama EU, ostaje nekoliko nejasnoća, koje mogu značajno utjecati na likvidnost kao i javnofinancijski položaj proračuna novih članica. Najveći problem za likvidnost proračuna novih članica EU pretstavlja vremenska neusklađenost između priliva i odliva europskih sredstava, do koje dolazi posebno zbog vremenskog kašnjenja naplata iz europskog proračuna i slabe apsorbcijske sposobnosti, odnosno sposobnosti preuzimanja tih sredstava iz europskih fondova. Članak analizira dinamiku i predviđeni opseg javnofinancijskih novčanih tokova između proračuna Slovenije i proračuna EU do 2006. godine. Predstavljeno je nekoliko scenarija, do kojih bi moglo doći zbog zakašnjenja kod isplata europskih sredstava. Posljedica toga mogli bi biti nepredvidivi deficiti državnog proračuna i dodatni teret naplata zakasnjelih kamata u briselsku blagajnu

Budgetary cash flows in the EU and their impact on national budget liquidity: the case of Slovenia

On May 1, 2004 ten new states joined the EU. At the same time, budgetary cash flow mechanisms between the EU budget (as the central subject) and national budgets were established. Despite the fact that all the rules are clear and known in advance - stipulated by the EU directives and regulations - there are some uncertainties, which may have an important effect on the liquidity as well as on the budgetary cash flows in new member states. The greatest problem for the liquidity of new member states’ budgets is posed by the time lags between inflows and outflows of EU funds. These lags are mainly because of delayed payments from the EU budget and problems with some member state’s absorption capacity. This article deals with the dynamics and the scale of budgetary cash flows between the Slovenian budget and the EU budget until 2006. A couple of likely scenarios are presented, which could happen in case of delayed payments of European funds. Consequently, both an unexpected state budget liquidity deficit and an additional burden arising from interest on delayed payments to the Brussels are possible for Slovenia

The Role of Education in Sustainable Dietary Patterns in Slovenia

The most sustainable dietary patterns involve the consumption of plant-based (vegan) foods, excluding or reducing animal products, including meat, fish, and dairy, yet there is a lack of research on determinants of sustainable dietary patterns in central European countries. The present article aimed to examine the prevalence of sustainable dietary practices and attitudes among the Slovenian public and to investigate the role of education in fostering sustainable dietary patterns. We analyzed a representative national sample of Slovenians, with data gathered in 2019 (ISSP/Slovenian Public Opinion; N = 1079; 51.2% females). The results indicate that most Slovenians do not have sustainable dietary practices or attitudes with regard to health, the environment, animals, and dietary minorities. One in four Slovenians consume meat at least once per day and one in two consume meat three to six times per week. In addition, 78.2% of Slovenians consume milk at least three times per week; more than half consume milk daily or more often. Fish consumption is the least frequent among the three food groups. At least two-thirds of Slovenians also hold attitudes that are low in sustainability. Results also show that, after controlling for confounding variables, higher educational level emerged as an independent predictor of lower meat consumption, but not of lower fish or milk consumption. Furthermore, those in the lowest educational group are significantly less likely to hold sustainable attitudes than those in the higher educational group. Finally, current student status only decreases meat consumption. Since our results show an educational gradient in meat consumption and attitudes, public health and environmental campaigns should focus on the less-educated groups, encouraging them to reduce meat intake and fostering more sustainable attitudes

Absorption von EU-Fördermitteln: Institutionale Regelung und Erfolg am Beispiel Irlands, Estlands und Sloweniens

The enlargement of the EU by ten new member states in 2004 increased the importance of the EU cohesion policy; however, the readiness of these states to absorb the funds has not been adequate. Consequently, their absorption capacity has been relatively low. An analysis was made which states the importance of institutional settings for the efficiency of absorbing funds. With this purpose in mind, we first closely examined the most successful countries in absorbing EU funds. These were: Ireland as the leading country among the EU-15 and Estonia and Slovenia as the leading countries among the EU-10. Ireland has a decentralized managing system with several managing authorities and paying authorities, also on the regional level, while Estonia and Slovenia have a more centralized system on a national level. Regarding the current implementation system and absorption success in these three countries, we cannot determine which of the three presented implementation structures is more effective and advisable for improving the absorption of EU funds. We came to the conclusion that even different implementation structures can lead to high absorption results.Proširenje Europske Unije na deset novih članica 2004. godine povećalo je važnost politike kohezije EU-a; ipak, spremnost tih zemalja da primaju novčana sredstva iz fondova nije se pokazala dostatnom. Tako je njihov kapacitet apsorpcije do sada bio razmjerno 1237 nizak. Napravljena je analiza koja govori o važnosti institucionalnih okvira za uspješnu apsorpciju sredstava. Imajući to na umu, prvo smo pomno promotrili najuspješnije zemlje u apsorpciji fondova EU-a. To su bile: Irska, kao vodeća zemlja me|u EU-15 te Estonija i Slovenija kao vodeće zemlje unutar EU-10. Irska ima decentraliziran sustav upravljanja, s više upravljačkih i financijskih struktura, i to na regionalnim razinama, dok Estonija i Slovenija imaju sustave više centralizirane na nacionalnoj razini. Promatrajući sadašnji sustav primjene i uspješnost apsorpcije u tim trima zemljama, ne možemo utvrditi koje su od tri predstavljene implementacijske strukture uspješnije i koje je uputno preporučiti za unapre|enje apsorpcije fondova EU-a. Naš je zaključak da i različite implementacijske strukture mogu dovesti do visokih rezultata apsorpcije.Die Ausweitung der EU und der Beitritt von zehn neuen Mitgliedstaaten im Jahr 2004 hat die Aktualität der EUKohäsionspolitik erhöht; jedoch hat sich die Kapazität dieser Länder, Fördermittel aus EU-Fonds in ihre Modernisierung zu investieren, als unzulänglich erwiesen. Dementsprechend war das Absorptionsvermögen bisher relativ gering. Die vorgenommene Analyse widmet sich der Bedeutung des institutionalen Rahmens für eine erfolgreiche Absorption der genannten Fördermittel. Vor diesem Hintergrund wurden zunächst die in dieser Hinsicht erfolgreichsten Länder untersucht. Das sind: Irland als das führende Land der EU-15-Staaten sowie Estland und Slowenien als die führenden Staaten der EU-10 (EU-Erweiterung 2004). Irland hat ein dezentralisiertes Verwaltungssystem mit mehreren Verwaltungs- und Finanzstrukturen auf regionaler Ebene, während Estland und Slowenien über ein eher zentralisiertes Verwaltungssystem auf nationaler Ebene verfügen. Betrachtet man den aktuellen Stand in der Umsetzung von EUFördermitteln und das Absorptionsvermögen der erwähnten Staaten, so lässt sich nicht mit Bestimmtheit sagen, welche der drei Implementierungsstrukturen die erfolgreichste und als nachahmungswert zu empfehlen ist. Die Verfasser dieser Studie kommen zu dem Schluss, dass auch völlig unterschiedliche Implementierungsstrukturen zu hochwertigen Ergebnissen bei der Absorption von Fördermitteln führen können