Is New Europe Backsliding?
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Slovakia RISK & COMPLIANCE REPORT DATE: March 2018
Slovakia RISK & COMPLIANCE REPORT DATE: March 2018 KNOWYOURCOUNTRY.COM Executive Summary - Slovakia Sanctions: None FAFT list of AML No Deficient Countries Compliance with FATF 40 + 9 Recommendations Medium Risk Areas: US Dept of State Money Laundering assessment Corruption Index (Transparency International & W.G.I.)) Failed States Index (Political Issues)(Average Score) Major Investment Areas: Agriculture - products: grains, potatoes, sugar beets, hops, fruit; pigs, cattle, poultry; forest products Industries: metal and metal products; food and beverages; electricity, gas, coke, oil, nuclear fuel; chemicals and manmade fibers; machinery; paper and printing; earthenware and ceramics; transport vehicles; textiles; electrical and optical apparatus; rubber products Exports - commodities: machinery and electrical equipment 35.9%, vehicles 21%, base metals 11.3%, chemicals and minerals 8.1%, plastics 4.9% (2009 est.) Exports - partners: Germany 22.4%, Czech Republic 14.6%, Poland 8.6%, Hungary 7.8%, Austria 7.1%, France 5.6%, Italy 4.9%, UK 4.1% (2012) Imports - commodities: machinery and transport equipment 31%, mineral products 13%, vehicles 12%, base metals 9%, chemicals 8%, plastics 6% (2009 est.) Imports - partners: Germany 18.5%, Czech Republic 17.9%, Russia 9.9%, Austria 7.7%, Hungary 7.2%, Poland 6%, South Korea 4.3% (2012) 1 Investment Restrictions: Foreign and domestic private entities have the right to establish and own business enterprises and engage in all forms of remunerative activity in Slovakia. In theory, competitive equality is the standard by which private enterprises compete with public entities. In addition, businesses are able to contract directly with foreign entities. 2 Contents Section 1 - Background ....................................................................................................................... 4 Section 2 - Anti – Money Laundering / Terrorist Financing ........................................................... -
Macroeconomic Situation in Slovakia Juraj Ondriaš
ISSN: 2560-1601 November 2017 2017. No. 2 (6) Slovakia Economy briefing: Macroeconomic situation in Slovakia Juraj Ondriaš 1052 Budapest Petőfi Sándor utca 11. +36 1 5858 690 Kiadó: Kína-KKE Intézet Nonprofit Kft. [email protected] Szerkesztésért felelős személy: Chen Xin Kiadásért felelős személy: Huang Ping china-cee.eu According to most macroeconomic indicators, the economy of the Slovak Republic is doing relatively well. Having weathered the recession after 2008 rather well, the long-term growth is above the EU average. The growth of GDP in 2017 was 3.1% in the first quarter, 3.3% in the second, and is estimated to be 3.4% for the third quarter, signaling that growth seems to be slowing down, although still robust for EU standards. The growth of GDP for the entire year of 2017 is expected to be 3.2-3.3%. This growth was due both to domestic consumption and foreign (mainly European) demand, though as a small and open economy, Slovakia is dependent on the latter. Slovakia tries hard to attract foreign investment, especially from the West, but increasingly also from the East. Expectations of investment are one of the main benefits Slovakia expects from its membership in the 16+1 forum for cooperation between China and Central and Eastern Europe. Slovakia’s main selling points are its relatively cheap but highly skilled labor force (although the productivity of labor is among the lowest in the EU) and its membership in the EU (since 2004) and Eurozone (since 2009). It can also rely on its position as a transit country and transportation node in Europe, e.g. -
Human Rights and Constitution Making Human Rights and Constitution Making
HUMAN RIGHTS AND CONSTITUTION MAKING HUMAN RIGHTS AND CONSTITUTION MAKING New York and Geneva, 2018 II HUMAN RIGHTS AND CONSTITUTION MAKING Requests to reproduce excerpts or to photocopy should be addressed to the Copyright Clearance Center at copyright.com. All other queries on rights and licenses, including subsidiary rights, should be addressed to: United Nations Publications, 300 East 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, United States of America. E-mail: [email protected]; website: un.org/publications United Nations publication issued by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Photo credit: © Ververidis Vasilis / Shutterstock.com The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Symbols of United Nations documents are composed of capital letters combined with figures. Mention of such a figure indicates a reference to a United Nations document. HR/PUB/17/5 © 2018 United Nations All worldwide rights reserved Sales no.: E.17.XIV.4 ISBN: 978-92-1-154221-9 eISBN: 978-92-1-362251-3 CONTENTS III CONTENTS INTRODUCTION .................................................................................. 1 I. CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS AND HUMAN RIGHTS ......................... 2 A. Why a rights-based approach to constitutional reform? .................... 3 1. Framing the issue .......................................................................3 2. The constitutional State ................................................................6 3. Functions of the constitution in the contemporary world ...................7 4. The constitution and democratic governance ..................................8 5. -
Slovakia in the EU: an Unexpected Success Story?
DGAPanalyse Prof. Dr. Eberhard Sandschneider (Hrsg.) Otto Wolff-Direktor des Forschungsinstituts der DGAP e. V. May 2014 N° 6 Slovakia in the EU: An Unexpected Success Story? by Milan Nič, Marek Slobodník, and Michal Šimečka This paper is published as part of the research project "Central European Perspectives – Integra- tion Achievements and Challenges of the V4 States after Ten Years in the EU", supported by the strategic grant of the International Visegrad Fund. Project Partners: Central European Policy Institute (CEPI), Bratislava|Slovakia Asociace pro Mezinárodní Otázky (AMO) / Association of International Affairs, Prague|Czech Republic Eötvös Loránd Tudományegyetem, Társadalomtudományi Kar (ELTE TÁTK) / Eötvös Loránd University Budapest, Faculty of Social Sciences, Budapest|Hungary Fundacja im. Kazimierza Pułaskiego (FKP) / Casimir Pulaski Foundation, Warsaw|Poland The German Council on Foreign Relations does not express opinions of its own. The opinions expressed in this publication are the responsibility of the author. DGAPanalyse 6 | May 2014 Summary Slovakia in the EU: An Unexpected Success Story? by Milan Nič, Marek Slobodník, and Michal Šimečka Slovakia has emerged as an unlikely success story of the 2004 EU enlargement. The country’s first decade as a member state was marked by robust growth – spur- red by pro-market reforms of the early 2000s – and relative economic resilience and political stability during the global economic crisis. Thematic priorities on the EU level have included cohesion policy, energy, EU enlargement, and the Euro- pean Neighborhood Policy (ENP). Slovak diplomacy has seen regional groupings – above all the Visegrad format – as the most effective way of pursuing its policy preferences. As the only eurozone member in the Visegrad Group (V4), Slovakia remains a reliable if somewhat passive supporter of deeper European integration, supporting a fiscally responsible approach. -
Referendum on Early Elections: the Case of Slovakia in the European Context Marián Giba* Vincent Bujňák**
Referendum on early elections: The case of Slovakia in the European context Marián Giba* Vincent Bujňák** Summary: The referendum initiative of 2021 is the fourth attempt in Slo- vakia to call a referendum on early parliamentary elections in less than 30 years. The aim of this article is to answer the question of whether the shortening of the parliamentary term by referendum is in accordance with the Slovak Constitution. Since the shortening of parliamentary term by ref- erendum is a constitutional issue which is a question of identity common to all European democracies, the authors analyse the existence of such direct democracy instrument in the Council of Europe member states and compare the relevant constitutional framework with the Slovak Constitution. The authors’ opinion is that the referendum on early elections contradicts not only several constitutional provisions, but also the overall philosophy of the Slovak Constitution and Western-type democracy. Keywords: recall, dissolution of parliament, referendum, representative mandate, direct democracy 1. Introduction After two unsuccessful and relatively older attempts in 2000 and 2004, the idea to demand early parliamentary elections through a referendum emerged in Slo- vakia once again. The initiative comes formally from a popular petition.1 In reality, this petition is organized by several opposition political parties. Such initiative has naturally invoked not only political reactions, but also revived doctrinal discussions on compliance of such referendum with the Constitution of * Associate Professor at the Comenius University in Bratislava – Faculty of Law, The Department of Constitutional Law, Šafárikovo square no. 6, 810 00 Bratislava, Slovakia. Email: marian. [email protected] ** Assistant Professor at the Comenius University in Bratislava – Faculty of Law, The Department of Constitutional Law, Šafárikovo square no. -
Report to the Government of the Slovak Republic
CPT/Inf (97) 2 Report to the Government of the Slovak Republic on the visit to Slovakia carried out by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) from 25 June to 7 July 1995 The Government of the Slovak Republic has agreed to the publication of this report and of its interim and follow-up reports in response. The latter are set out in document CPT/Inf (97) 3. Strasbourg, 3 April 1997 - 2 - CONTENTS Copy of the letter transmitting the CPT's report ............................................................................5 PREFACE ...........................................................................................................................................6 I. INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................8 A. Dates of the visit and composition of the delegation ..............................................................8 B. Establishments visited...............................................................................................................9 C. Consultations held by the delegation.......................................................................................9 D. Co-operation encountered during the visit...........................................................................10 II. FACTS FOUND DURING THE VISIT AND ACTION PROPOSED ..............................12 A. Establishments under the authority of the Ministry of the Interior ..................................12 -
Political Stability and the Division of Czechoslovakia
Western Michigan University ScholarWorks at WMU Master's Theses Graduate College 8-1996 Political Stability and the Division of Czechoslovakia Timothy M. Kuehnlein Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses Part of the Political Science Commons Recommended Citation Kuehnlein, Timothy M., "Political Stability and the Division of Czechoslovakia" (1996). Master's Theses. 3826. https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/3826 This Masters Thesis-Open Access is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate College at ScholarWorks at WMU. It has been accepted for inclusion in Master's Theses by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks at WMU. For more information, please contact [email protected]. POLITICAL STABILITY AND THE DIVISION OF CZECHOSLOVAKIA by Timothy M. Kuehnlein, Jr. A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of The Graduate College in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts Department of Political Science Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, Michigan August 1996 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The completion of this project was both a tedious and rewarding experience. With the highest expectations for the style and content of the presentation, I have attempted to be as concise yet thorough as possible in the presentation and defense of the argument. The composition of this thesis entails nearly two years of diligent work outside of general course studies. It includes preliminary readings in Central and East European affairs, an extensive excursion throughout the Czech and Slovak republics with readings in the theory of political stability, the history and politics of Czecho slovakia, in addition to composing the text. My pursuit was driven by a passion for the topic, a quest for know ledge and understanding, and the argument's potential for continued development. -
Good Practices for Employment in Europe*
O1 Erasmus+ Funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union Good Practices for Employment in Europe* ERASMUS+ PROGRAMME CAREER PLANNING FOR TEENAGERS KA2 STRATEGIC PARTNE RSHIP COOPERATION FO R INNOVATION AND THE EXCHANGE OF GOOD PRACTICES STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP FOR SCHOOL EDUCATION | [Project No: 2014-1-TR01-KA201-013273] *This document reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein Good Practices for Employment in Europe Career Planning for Teenagers T PROJECT PARTNERS ŞAIR ABAY KONANBAY ANADOLU LISESI, SULTANGAZI TURKEY INSTITUTO POLITÉCNICO DE SANTARÉM, SANTARÉM PORTUGAL SPOJENÁ ŠKOLA, BRATISLAVA SLOVAKIA COLEGIUL NATIONAL "VASILE ALECSANDRI", BACĂU ROMANIA CONTENTS Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 5 EURES - Facilitating Job Mobility In Europe ...................................................................................... 6 EURES Network ...................................................................................................................................... 6 tasks of eures advisers .......................................................................................................................... 8 the european job mobility portal............................................................................................................ 8 how to find a job .................................................................................................................................. -
Document Country: Lfes ID: IFES 10 1997 Slov
Date Printed: 11/03/2008 JTS Box Number: IFES 10 Tab Number: 27 Document Title: Slovak Republic: Pre-Election Technical Assessment Document Date: 1997 Document Country: Slovak Republic lFES ID: R01843 • SLOVAK REPUBLIC PRE-ELECTION TECHNICAL • ASSESSMENT I • DECEMBER 1997 • Prepared By: Alexander T. Knapp, Paul DeGregorio, • IFES Program Officer - Central and Eastern Election Law/Administration • Europe Specialist Ronald Sereg, Katarina Duich Civic Education and Media IFES Program Assistant - Central and • Specialist Eastern Europe • • • This Report was made possible by a grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The opinions expressed in this Report are solely of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (lPES). \.• This material is in the public domain and may be reproduced without permission. citation is appreciated. International Foundation for Election Systems • 1101 15th Street. NW. Third Floor • Washington. DC 20005 • • I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Table of Contents I EXECUTIVE SUMMARY I ONE INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW ............................... 1 I. Introduction .......................................................... I LA. Scope of Work .............................................. I I I.B. Country Background ......................................... 2 II. Overview of Elections and Political Processes ............................... 3 ILA. Codification ................................................ 3 I II.A.!. Constitution .......................................... 3 II.A.2. The Slovak Parliamentary Election Law .................... 4 II.A.3. Elections for National Council ........................... 5 I II.AA. Selection of the Prime Minister and President ................ 5 II.A.5. Qualifying for the Ballot: Parties and Candidates ............. 6 I II.A.6. Qualifying for Representation on the National Council ........ 6 II.A. 7. Political Party Funding ................................. 6 II.B. -
Increasing Competitiveness of the Slovak Republic. Sharing Reforms & EU Accession Experience. Vladim
Country in transition: increasing competitiveness of the Slovak Republic. Sharing reforms & EU accession experience. Vladimír Benč1& René Matlovič2 Content Foreword ................................................................................................................................................ 2 Slovakia – today ......................................................................................................................................... 4 Reforming the country in between 1989 – 1999 ........................................................................................ 7 Success story of the EU accession from 1999 till 2007 ............................................................................. 9 Key measures ....................................................................................................................................... 10 EU accession process & reforms.......................................................................................................... 15 Tax reform ........................................................................................................................................... 18 Competition policy and the State Aid system (incl. EU accession negotiation) .................................. 23 Facing the impacts of the World economic crisis (2008 – onwards) ....................................................... 28 Regional disparities – potential source of development problems in Slovakia .................................... 32 Conclusion – lessons -
Try Slo Vakia
HOTELS ❙ EVENTS ❙ FEATURES ❙ VENUES ❙ DMC ❙ ACTIVITIES ❙ INCENTIVES ❙ SHOPPING VISIT THE LITTLE BIG COUNTRY SLOVAKIA TRY www.mice-cee.com 2008/2009 A4 holid image poster 1 11/6/08 10:04:45 Ladies and Gentlemen, t is with the utmost pleasure that I invite you to Slovakia, a picturesque Icountry located right in the heart of Europe, through the pages of this magazine. Over the course of the last 15 years of its independence, the Slovak Republic has achieved a remarkable success that has exceeded the expectations at the times of its inception. As the leader of this country, I can proudly say that Slovakia is a respected democratic state, a member of the European Union, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and several other international institutions. Thanks to the rapid growth of the Slovak economy, the country ranks among the fastest developing states within the EU. This has paved the way for several measures, including the country’s entrance into the Schengen area last year, which subsequently removed all border checks with EU member states, and the introduction of the EURO from January 2009. Joining the Eurozone will also bring forth new possibilities in the area of the travel industry, whose development is one of the government’s priorities. I am honoured to invite you to our beautiful Slovakia. A country that is both young, dynamic and modern, as well as possessing a rich history and cultural heritage dating back several centuries. This is the Slovakia I would like to invite you to. Slovakia is perfect for those looking for active relaxation in the mountains, combining their stay with wellness and a visit to one of the local spas that are equipped with geothermal springs. -
Competition States on Europe's Periphery: Race to the Bottom and to the Top
Competition States on Europe's Periphery: Race to the Bottom and to the Top Višnja Vukov Thesis submitted for assessment with a view to obtaining the degree of Doctor of Political and Social Sciences of the European University Institute Florence, September 2013 European University Institute Department of Political and Social Sciences Competition States on Europe's Periphery: Race to the Bottom and to the Top Višnja Vukov Thesis submitted for assessment with a view to obtaining the degree of Doctor of Political and Social Sciences of the European University Institute Examining Board Prof. Martin Kohli, European University Institute (Supervisor) Prof. Laszlo Bruszt, European University Institute (Co-supervisor) Prof. Dorothee Bohle, Central European University Prof. Martin Myant, University of the West of Scotland © Višnja Vukov, 2013 No part of this thesis may be copied, reproduced or transmitted without prior permission of the author Abstract The thesis deals with the transformations of capitalist states in Europe in the context of increased economic transnationalisation and explores the different strategies that states develop to increase their competitiveness and attract capital, thereby improving the profile of insertion of their economies in the global and regional markets. Starting from the premise that the increased economic integration apparent in market liberalizations, the intensification of trade, the transnationalisation of production and the emergence of transnational financial markets exert pressures on states to reorient their economic and social policies towards the goal of increasing competitiveness and transforming themselves into so-called Competition States, the thesis examines the extent to which this state reorientation has been apparent in Europe and whether it has led to the emergence of unique or varied types of Competition States.