OAR@UM Collection:
https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/70413
2024-03-28T13:57:03ZPromoting entrepreneurship : the impact of the European Union's structural and cohesion funds on start-ups in Malta
https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/107914
Title: Promoting entrepreneurship : the impact of the European Union's structural and cohesion funds on start-ups in Malta
Abstract: This dissertation has the aim of describing and assessing how the EU' s Structural
and Cohesion funds have addressed the needs of local entrepreneurs, particularly
those in their start-up phase. Its focus is placed on the 2007 - 2013 scheme, which is
the first full programming period for which Malta has been allocated Regional policy
funds since its membership in 2004. This research study primarily explores the
nature of entrepreneurship and identifies both the motivations and barriers faced by
entrepreneurs in the process of setting up their business venture. It is observed how
through the provision of appropriate funding streams and support schemes, start-up
challenges are often mitigated. Through a qualitative research approach, it is
affirmed that incentives co-funded by Structural and Cohesion funds have targeted
most of the identified barriers, yet in some cases were not as successful due to the
funds' bureaucratic nature and the insufficient level of collaboration between the
national public and private sectors. Two case studies supplement the above by
providing tangible examples ofERDF and ESF incentives that have been specifically
implemented to address the various needs of local entrepreneurs. The conclusion
places the findings in context by re-emphasising the link between mitigating barriers
to business creation and promoting entrepreneurship. A number of policy
recommendations seeking to enhance an entrepreneur-friendly environment are also
presented.
Description: M.A.EUROP.POLITICS ECON.&LAW2017-01-01T00:00:00ZProtective capacity and responsibility-sharing in the migration and asylum policies of the EU
https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/101119
Title: Protective capacity and responsibility-sharing in the migration and asylum policies of the EU
Abstract: The EU recently experienced two important events in the migration and asylum area
which significantly shaped its development. The first was the adoption of the Lisbon treaty,
which entered into force in 2009 and introduced Qualified Majority Voting in the decisions
taken in this area. Since then there has been no need for unanimous decision making, which
led to the second important event: the European Agenda on Migration of May 2015, which is
the commission’s proposal on the relocation of refugees from some member states across the
whole EU in the name of solidarity and responsibility-sharing. This proposal (later adopted by
the Council), contained a relocation key, based on four variables, which aimed at reflecting
the capacity of each member state.
In this research, I address two key concepts in the field of protection of internationally displaced persons: fairness and acceptability. I contribute to the theory in this area by offering
a set of theoretical criteria of fairness which reflect the abilities of states to provide for
refugees and asylum seekers. They are based on critical discussion of the determination of
protective capacity and assessment of the employment of individual variables. Furthermore,
this dissertation provides an alternative model for the determination of protective capacity,
which is the cornerstone of any responsibility-sharing mechanism.
In addition, I conduct simulations of a hypothetical voting context in the European
Union. These simulations of Qualified Majority Voting are used to determine acceptability of
potential responsibility-sharing mechanisms in the area of asylum and refugee protection. The
results, which represent theoretically fair as well as acceptable solutions, are used to assess
the solution chosen by the European Union and to compare the theoretical and the actual
outcome.
Description: PH.D. EUROPEAN STUD.2016-01-01T00:00:00ZThe impact of EU enlargement on EU-Russia relations
https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/98450
Title: The impact of EU enlargement on EU-Russia relations
Abstract: The end of the Cold War, the dissolution of the USSR and the fall of the Berlin
Wall, created a major change on the European political scene. Whilst Jacques
Delors and his team were instituting new changes within the European
Community, the newly independent ex-Soviet bloc countries were knocking on the
Community's doors. With Russia still a major threat at the time to European
security, the European Community was at first reluctant to take on these countries.
The Community initiated the step towards building proper relations with the
former Soviet Union after Gorbachev indicated that he wanted to establish new
relations with Europe. A joint declaration of mutual recognition was signed and
later a Partnership and Co-operation Agreement for Russia was established and
relations have been developing ever since.
The forthcoming enlargement of the European is a major event not only because
ten countries will be joining altogether but also because the majority of these are
ex-Soviet bloc countries. This enlargement is also set to have an impact upon
relations between the European Union and Russia. The European Union and
Russia already co-operate on a number of issues laid down in the Partnership and
Co-operation Agreement, however with enlargement the importance of these issues
will increase dramatically as shared borders become longer. This study tries to
shed a little more light on how both the Union and Russia intend or propose to
improve their relations and enhance further co-operation in the near future.
Description: B.EUR.STUD.(HONS)2003-01-01T00:00:00ZThe effects of EU membership on Cypriot national politics
https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/98445
Title: The effects of EU membership on Cypriot national politics
Abstract: Soon after proclaiming independence in 1960, Cypriot national politics caused the
division of the island of Cyprus along ethnic lines. The political solution to the Cyprus
Problem both within and outside Cyprus is still being discussed. In 1990, the application
of the Republic of Cyprus for full membership to the European Union (EU) gave these
discussions a new and fresh impetus. The EU is keen to have the political union of the
divided Cyprus resolved. Today, Cyprus is a full member without the Turkish-Cypriot
part of North Cyprus. Turkey has applied for membership of the EU and the EU has in
its negotiating framework underlined Turkey's support for efforts to achieve a
settlement of the Cyprus Problem within the UN framework and in line with the
principles on which the EU is founded. This gives EU and Cyprus another opportunity
to bring about a comprehensive political union of the divided Cyprus, failing which, a
point would be reached where division of the island of Cyprus would become
permanent.
In this dissertation Chapter One explores the struggle of Enosis by the Greek Cypriots,
leading to the Zurich and London Agreements, and the two Treaties - the Treaty of
Guarantee and the Treaty of Alliance. This lead to the 1960 Constitution, drafted by the
two communities - the Greek and Turkish Cypriots - on the basis of ethnic origin.
Chapter Two discusses the events of 1974 - coup d'etat by Greek Cypriot National
Guards intent on joining Greece and the de facto partition of Cyprus by the Turkish
military intervention radically altered the political landscape of Cyprus. Turkish
Cypriots renamed their "state" the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" whilst
restating their commitment to working toward a federal solution. The Greek Cypriots
maintained that the Republic of Cyprus established in 1960 continued to exist with
functioning institutions.
Chapter Three analyses history, culture and civilization of Cyprus that have long been
associated with Europe. Thus, the goal of accession to the EU was a natural choice for
Cyprus. It examines Cyprus-EU relationship from the time Cyprus became an associate
member of the European Community in 1973, its application for EU membership,
negotiations and pre-accession strategy, EU membership and the Cyprus Problem.
The final Chapter talks of the Annan Plan, a United Nations proposal supported by EU
to bring about reunification of the divided Cyprus as the 'United Cyprus Republic' prior
to the EU enlargement on 1 May 2004.
The dissertation is concluded by analysing the political situation and present future
political scenarios for Cyprus in light of the Turkey-EU membership talks.
Description: B.EUR.STUD.(HONS)2006-01-01T00:00:00Z