https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/48906 2026-04-24T18:48:49Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/50525 Title: Climate change adaptation in the agricultural sector in Malta Abstract: The Earth’s climate has changed throughout the years, natural changes together with anthropogenic changes led humanity to have to deal with the increasing effects of global warming and of climate change. These natural changes result from the Earth’s orbit and the measure of energy that is originating from the sun. Be that as it may, most researchers trust the increase in Carbon Dioxide (CO2) levels in the air began amid the Industrial Revolution and haven’t stopped since. Burning of fossil fuels is the manner by which energy is produced. This process traps the heat in the air and thus increases the earth’s temperature. Climate change jeopardizes the productivity of the world wide agricultural sector, thus culminating in higher food prices for consumers. Potential impacts of climate change on the agricultural sector has spurred significant increase in research on how the agricultural sector can adapt to the effects by introducing new farming techniques and changes in crops and livestock yields. Climate change is said to have more negative effects on countries like Malta, which is an island located in the Mediterranean since the impacts are probably going to incite repercussions on the economy and on the natural surroundings. The aim of this dissertation is to analyse the current situation in Malta and pin point the effects of climate change on the agricultural sector, by observing national documents and what the EU is proposing to do in order to lower Green House Gas (GHG) emissions through the implementation of adaptation strategies and policies. Description: B.EUR.STUD.(HONS) 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/50523 Title: An assessment of the role of the media in the Brexit referendum Abstract: On June 23rd 2016, the people of Great Britain took a vote to get out of the European Union in the so-called Brexit Referendum. It has been described as being an “acrimonious” and “divisive” campaign because of the exhaustive use of the media. This dissertation intends to investigate the influence of both online and press media, and seeing how these tried to influence the voters when deciding between ‘leave’ or ‘remain’. This study looks at two research questions, with the aim of trying to examine the various strategies adopted by the leaders to make the British public vote for them. The second objective investigates how various policies were discussed; in this case the dominating issues of the Economy and Immigration. The extensive coverage of these topics by Britain Stronger In and Take Back Control was also analysed. A mixed-method research was adopted, which was done through the use of secondary analysis of a questionnaire and documentary analysis; using both primary and secondary data and with the content examination of three well-known newspapers across the UK. The data gathered from these sources were essential to answer the research questions: ‘What were the game plans and strategies of the opposing sides in the BREXIT referendum?’ and ‘How are the policy issues of the Economy and immigration discussed in the front pages of the referendum?’. This investigation wants to show that the media has changed the nature of politics and referendum campaigns. With more people spending time online, the media is becoming more powerful in spreading information and influencing political ideas. Description: B.EUR.STUD.(HONS) 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/50521 Title: The Eurozone crisis and unemployment in Cyprus and Ireland Abstract: This dissertation will be discussing the Eurozone crisis’ effect on unemployment in Ireland and Cyprus. The financial crisis hit the Euro area about a decade ago and certain members of the Eurozone are still dealing with its effects till this day. This dissertation aims to gain insight on Ireland and Cyprus’ unemployment different development. This study is being approached through a comparative case study design, using quantitative and qualitative data analysis. This is done by taking two case studies to answer the research questions by comparing Ireland and Cyprus’s unemployment rates. This analysis aims to answer whether the reason for the high unemployment rates in Ireland and Cyprus were because of cyclical or structural indicators or labour mobility. This study finds that the underlying problem that caused Cyprus’ unemployment recovery to be lower than Ireland’s was more of a cyclical problem rather than by structural issues or labour mobility. During the period analysed, the levels of real GDP growth, exports, consumption and government expenditures showed that they contributed to the difference between the unemployment rates of Ireland and Cyprus. Description: B.EUR.STUD.(HONS) 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/50495 Title: The implementation of the integration policy for third country nationals in Malta Abstract: A new trend in integration policies seems to be threatening the very thing they hope to achieve ; integration. A large influx of third country nationals (TCNs) has brought cultural diversity to European countries and the European Union (EU) and National governments are recognising the social and economic benefits that they can bring to society as a whole if they are properly integrated. As a result, efforts are being made through integration policies to facilitate their integration. A critical factor for successful integration is the access to equal rights and treatment enjoyed by local citizens offered through long-term residency and citizenship status. However, a trend called ‘civic integration’ has made integration a compulsory requirement to access these rights. It has become commonplace across the EU that TCNs must now attend mandatory courses and pass tests that assess their knowledge on the language, history and values of their hosts’ societies. Scholars argue that rather than aiding integration, these requirements are erected as barriers to migration and are being used as a selective mechanism targeting unwanted migrants. This dissertation will focus on Malta’s integration policy which was adopted in 2017. The research is guided by two research questions ; Firstly, to what extent is the conept of civic integration reflected in Malta’s integration policy? Secondly, Is Malta’s integration policy being implemented in a way that restricts the integration of third country nationals or supports it in terms of obtaining long-term residency and citizenship status? A two pronged research methodology is used to answer the research questions. The Civic Integration Index (CIVIX) assigns a score to Malta’s integration policy which measures the scope and depths of the civic integration requirements and secondary data analysis using the top-down approach to policy implementation is used to analyse the implementation of the integration policy. The major findings are that Malta has relatively minimum and easy civic integration requirements when compared to other European states. The integration policy shows concrete efforts being made on the part of the Maltese governments to support TCNs to achieve long-term residency. Although it is not being used a selective mechanism on the basis of race, it is selective on the basis of education and wealth. Furthermore, the policy remains restrictive toward the obtaining of citizenship status with no active programme in place to facilitate TCNs to meet the necessary requirements. In this way, integration of TCNs cannot be fully achieved until the barriers to citizenship are removed. Description: B.EUR.STUD.(HONS) 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z