https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/97975 2026-06-30T18:54:40Z 2026-06-30T18:54:40Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/120569 2024-04-11T06:17:00Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: An economic and political assessment of the adoption of the euro by Bulgaria Abstract: This study provides a comprehensive view to the multifaceted context of Bulgaria's process of Euro adoption. Following independence, Bulgaria faced periods of political instability, including its transition from a communist state to a democracy in the early 1990s. The economic landscape is examined, with a focus on GDP per capita, unemployment rates, and inflation. The chapter also highlights fiscal discipline and concerns such as political corruption, media freedom, poverty, and education in Bulgaria. The study further delves into integration and its application to join the EU. The central focus, Euro adoption, is discussed with Bulgaria's timeline joining the Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM II) in July 2020, marking a significant step toward Eurozone membership. The criteria for convergence, economic stability, and alignment with Eurozone policies are examined, emphasising Bulgaria's active efforts to meet these requirements. Study further highlights the variations in Euro adoption strategies among EU member states and the potential trade-offs that Bulgaria may face regarding its national objectives. The political aspect of Euro accession is emphasised, recognizing that economic decisions are closely intertwined with political interests and aspirations. The literature review delves into the historical and economic implications of Euro adoption in the Eurozone. It references the experiences of recent Eurozone entrants and assesses potential impacts on sectors like manufacturing, trade, and investment in Bulgaria. Methodology to address key research questions is also outlined. A comparative analysis with Romania is also presented to the study, allowing for insights into potential challenges and opportunities. Key findings, acknowledging limitations, and discussing potential future developments in Bulgaria's economy and politics as a Eurozone member are also presented underscoring its significance in guiding policy decisions and informing further research endeavours within the complex landscape of Euro adoption in Bulgaria. Description: M.A.(Melit.)

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/120568 2024-04-11T06:16:25Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The transatlantic data privacy framework : Schrems II, GDPR and American national security Abstract: This dissertation assesses the problems of the EU-U.S. Transatlantic Data Privacy Framework in terms of Schrems II, the GDPR, and American National Security. Schrems II provided inadequate legal criteria for guidelines on U.S. mass surveillance. The GDPR, with Article 23, put Member States’ national security outside of its guidelines, which allows national security agencies to violate the privacy rights and data protections that are guaranteed under the GDPR. This creates a massive double standard with how the GDPR treats Member States and how it treats the United States on national security. American national security raises the problem of President Joe Biden’s legally ambiguous language in Executive Order 14086. The Executive Order uses the language of Schrems II, but in the context of the U.S. Constitution and U.S. law. The Commission accepted Executive Order 14086 at face value. There is a question of whether the United States is truly sincere or merely disingenuous on mass surveillance oversight and EU citizens’ rights for legal restitution. The research includes case studies of the foreign intelligence surveillance practices of Germany and France compared to the foreign intelligence surveillance practices of the United States. A qualitative analysis of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Implementing Decision, the European Court of Human Rights’ decisions on mass surveillance, the Commission’s Implementing Decision, President Joe Biden’s Executive Order 14086, and Harvard Law Review’s legal assessment of the Schrems II decision. Findings suggest that the Schrems II decision is incredibly vague allowing for the real possibility of Schrems III. President Biden’s Executive Order is probably sincere. The Department of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights agree on the existence of illegal mass surveillance by Member States. The German and French signal intelligence agencies operate outside of a legal framework much more than the United States’ signal intelligence agencies. Nevertheless, the United States and the European Union came to an important agreement on a Data Privacy Framework. When Max Schrems sues again, the Court of Justice of the European Union should respectfully decline the case. This study is dedicated in loving memory of my mother, Ruth E. Watry (1931-2015), who as the greatest teacher in my life encouraged me in my lifelong passion for learning. Description: M.A.(Melit.)

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/120567 2024-10-04T05:20:15Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Tertiary education and employment in the European Union : a case study of Malta Abstract: Education is heavily linked to economics and employment policy. In the European Union it is considered key for the acquisition of skills by the labour force, but also for the achievement of improved economic growth and better employment opportunities. Over recent years Malta has registered significant progress in tertiary education attainment and tertiary qualified labour force. Nevertheless, industry keeps facing major challenges brought about by labour and skills shortages and mismatches. While both the EU and Malta boast high employment rates, it is necessary to identify what impinges this current state of things and to raise awareness about the need for a more suitable and comprehensive data collection strategy on which policy can be tailored. The present work is intended to take stock of the labour status of graduates in Malta within the wider EU context. It focuses specifically on tertiary educated employees and their participation in the labour market. The issue of skills mismatches and skills shortages is taking centre-stage in labour market fora at both EU and national level. The challenge is to make optimum use of the current human resources in order to stimulate economic growth while individuals reap the benefits of their investment in education. A case study design focusing on Malta was selected for this research study, as the challenges presented are accentuated on this island state. A mixed methods approach was adopted to analyse existing quantitative data while primary data was gathered through semi-structured interviews with professionals in their respective fields. The study lists a number of recommendations as it seeks to help inform a long-term policy for sustainable education and employment. Description: M.A.(Melit.)

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/120566 2024-04-11T06:15:10Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The politico-economic debate on the formation of a European fiscal union Abstract: In the continuously evolving landscape of EU politics and economics, the idea of a European Fiscal Union has emerged as a central and contentious topic of debate. The fiscal union envisions an ambitious plan of closer fiscal integration between Member States to complement the monetary and economic union. The formation of a fiscal union would go beyond the confines of a common currency and create a unified fiscal framework, which would entail the sharing of resources, harmonised fiscal policies, shared institutions and mechanisms for revenue and expenditure across Member States. Fiscal integration has become a subject of intense debate since the Sovereign Debt Crisis in 2010 and the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. On one hand, the argument is that a deeper fiscal union would achieve greater economic stability, crisis resilience and longterm propensity for the EU by mitigating economic disparity. On the other side of the debate, concerns have arisen over the potential loss of national sovereignty, moral hazards and the difficulties of institutional and legal changes. The aim of this dissertation is to trace the development of the debate throughout this decade within the institutions and analyse the political positions of the political groupings in the European Parliament. It will also delve into the elements that make a fiscal union and whether existing EU policies already intersect with fiscal integration. The debate on the formation of a fiscal union is a multidimensional area that intersects with political ideologies, diverse economic policies and varying levels of willingness for further integration. Thus, this dissertation will include elements of economic theory and politics to create a comprehensive overview of the debate. Description: M.A.(Melit.)

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z