<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> The decision about the deactivation of a pacemaker must be the result of a multicriteria decision-making process where the legal, ethical and effectiveness aspects must be taken into account and delicately balanced, while also considering the risk of managerial failure. Academic as well as professional discussion is necessary because there is a whole range of question marks on this topic and all the aspects mentioned above. The aim of this paper is to contribute to the debate by presenting the views of Czech physicians about the possibility of deactivation of the pacemaker in patients in terminal states. Based on the results of our research, the following steps are recommended to enable the deactivation of pacemakers in the Czech environment. Before the patient’s own indication of pacemaker therapy, treatment should be discussed with the patient in detail, including complications and deactivation options. Czech ethical consultant services should be set up in Czech hospitals. And last but not least, they should take an opinion on this issue as well as the professional society.</abstract>

Deactivation of Pacemaker: Ethical Approach or Managerial Failure?

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The aim of this paper is to examine the effects of government expenditures on long-run economic growth in developed countries using their different breakdown. Empirical analysis is performed for a panel of 34 OECD countries in the period 2000-2012. Above all, the results support the idea that conclusions of previous studies on this topic may be strongly distorted by inappropriate classification of expenditures, typically in the case of expenditures on education and health. These are usually considered productive and thus growth enhancing, but if their part of R&amp;D expenditures is detached, their effect on growth is in fact negative. In general, it is concluded that government expenditures on individual services have negative effects on growth, while the impact of expenditures on collective services is positive.</abstract>

VŠB - Technical University of Ostrava, Faculty of Economics, Sokolská tř. 33, 721 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic

Expenditures on Collective and Individual Services: Discussion on the Classification of Government Expenditures with Regard to their Inclusion into Growth Models

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
In almost all sectors, online services play a much larger role than a few years ago. Data-driven platform models combine an ever greater degree of market power. The associated concentration effect leads to the displacement of medium-sized companies from the market. When looking at the large platforms of this new digital economy their success model is based almost exclusively on generating data and extracting economically useful information from this data. In relation to trading platforms, the use of data serves among other things to increase efficiency. The so-called data sharing offers numerous advantages that can be leveraged in connection with e-commerce platforms. Due to this, we will first take a closer look at e-commerce and the special economic characteristics of the business model of digital platforms (especially Amazon). The next chapter discusses the current legal framework and focus on the antitrust claims of retailers against online platforms. Then, we will deal with the legal-political approaches to the digital platform economy. The study concludes with various options for action which can be derived from the legal and economic explanations outlined in the previous chapters.</abstract>

Data and E-commerce: An Economic Relationship

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Irrespective of the euro crisis, a European banking union makes sense, including for non-euro area countries, because of the extent of European Union financial integration. The Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM) is the first element of the banking union. From the point of view of non-euro countries, the draft SSM regulation as amended by the EU Council includes strong safeguards relating to decision-making, accountability, attention to financial stability in small countries and the applicability of national macroprudential measures. Non-euro countries will also have the right to leave the SSM and thereby exempt themselves from a supervisory decision. The SSM by itself cannot bring the full benefits of the banking union, but would foster financial integration, improve the supervision of cross-border banks, ensure greater consistency of supervisory practices, increase the quality of supervision, avoid competitive distortions and provide ample supervisory information. While the decision to join the SSM is made difficult by uncertainty surrounding other elements of the banking union, including possible burden sharing, we conclude that non-euro EU members should stand ready to join the SSM and be prepared for negotiations on the other elements of the banking union.</abstract>

Bruegel, Rue de la Charité 33, 1210 Brussels, Belgium; Corvinus University Budapest and Research Centre for Economic and Regional Studies of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences

Bruegel, Rue de la Charité 33, 1210 Brussels, Belgium

Should Non-Euro Area Countries Join the Single Supervisory Mechanism?

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Through the United Nation’s Charter, the UN Security Council represents the most powerful executive institutional body in the field of collective security. Moreover, its ultra vires acts may have distinct legal consequences. Accordingly, questions arising from these facts are whether such a large scope of competences could be abused, what are the limits of the executed power and above all, affirmation of the legality of the actions of Council. Predominantly by means of the analytical method as well as a case study of the Lockerbie case, the present study provides the related argumentative discourse. Notwithstanding the fact that the decisions of the Council appear to be without any limitations, it is obliged to act within the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. The opinion of the International Court of Justice on the legality of the SC’s actions in the field of collective security are still, however, indirectly expressed through its general function.</abstract>

The International Court of Justice and the Legality of UN Security Council Resolutions

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> We estimate the classic and the dynamic variant of Okun’s law for the Austrian labor market. We find that, for recent periods, the growth rate necessary to stabilize the unemployment rate equals 2.8 percent. Moreover, we find that the rate has been growing in recent quarters due to the increasing labor force size and the effects of the crisis. The latest prediction of the employment threshold lies above 3 percent, much above forecasted GDP growth up to 2017.</abstract>

Okun’s Law in Austria

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
In 2015 refugee crisis, Hungary’s strict border controls and legal reforms drew international criticism, straining EU relations. This article employs the qualitative legal historical methodology to investigate the historical dynamics underpinning Hungary’s shifting refugee policies. The analysis uncovers a significant shift in Hungary’s approach to refugees. Following World War I, the Trianon agreement, which led to territorial loss and population displacement, posed migration challenges that Hungary addressed on a case-by-case basis. Furthermore, after 1989, Hungary aligned its legal systems with international standards. It ratified the 1951 Refugee Convention, marking the first official regulation of refugees under Decree 101. In 2007, upon EU accession, Hungary enacted the Asylum Act 2007, aligning it with the Dublin regulation and relevant EU directives, which formed the foundation for refugee crisis legislation in 2015. The study also examines the 2011 constitutional amendment, indirectly creating sociocultural barriers between Hungarian society and refugees.
</abstract>

Hungary and Refugee: From Historical to Legal Development

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The aim of the paper is to prove a hypothesis concerning the dependence of the political polarisation of the European Union on recent developments in labour market structure. The labour market is undergoing changes that stem from technological progress as well as outsourcing of low-skill activities, which are causing an increase in labour market and wage polarisation. The premise is that the depopulation of the middle class is increasing political polarisation. The hypothesis is tested on a sample of 27 European Union countries from 1990 to the present using OLS with fixed effects regression analysis. Political polarization is represented by an own constructed political polarization index based on the ideological division of political parties’ data of the ParlGov project (2022). The index is constructed by combining the election results and four ideological spectrums. In conclusion, the dependence of political polarisation on labour market polarisation and wage polarisation is rejected.
</abstract>

The Mutual Influence of Labour Market Polarisation, Wage Polarisation and Political Polarisation in the European Union

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Foreigners from third countries are not entitled to participate in the Czech public health insurance system unless they have either permanent residence in the Czech Republic or a Czech employer. This article aims to analyse the economic impact of the possible inclusion of such foreigners into the public health insurance system in the Czech Republic. First, we estimate the size of the group of foreigners concerned and follow with the estimation of contributions paid and the cost involved. The analysis is based on publicly available data that entail simplifications. The conducted research shows that the inclusion of foreigners from third countries into the public health system of the Czech Republic would positively impact the economic balance of the system in that the estimated contributions would surpass the estimated costs.
</abstract>

Participation of Foreigners in Public Health Insurance in the Czech Republic

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
This paper intends to assess the feasibility of introducing a lawyer’s monopoly in Kazakhstan. The main purpose of the study is to analyze the current legal provisions of the Republic of Kazakhstan regarding judicial representatives authorized to provide legal assistance on behalf of civil proceedings. The work examines foreign experience from the point of view of the applicability of best practices. The study notes the shortcomings of the recently adopted legislative acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of regulation of advocateship. Attention is focused on the fact that it is the legal profession that should serve as the key to the effective implementation of the constitutional right of citizens to receive qualified legal assistance. An advocates’ monopoly on judicial representation will contribute to the establishment of a single ecosystem that consolidates special professional groups and independent lawyer associations capable of providing qualified legal assistance.
</abstract>

Advocates and Legal Advisers in Civil Proceedings in Kazakhstan: Is Advocate Monopoly Required?

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The aim of this article is to analyze the utilization of alternative approaches for resolving tax disputes across various countries worldwide in order to evaluate the feasibility of introducing such approaches in Ukraine. It provides an overview of mediation, which is considered one of the most efficient methods for alternative dispute resolution. The article also presents a classification of mediation mechanisms employed in different countries. Furthermore, it examines the trends in the feasibility of introducing tax mediation in Ukraine. Lastly, the article suggests a roadmap for implementing judicial mediation as the most comprehensible and effective method for resolving tax disputes.
</abstract>

Mediation in the Resolution of Tax Disputes: Advantages, Application Experience, Prospects for Implementation in Ukraine

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The article aims to estimate the VAT Gap amount development from 2010 to 2016 in the Czech Republic. The methodology of the VAT Gap identification was based on the indirect top-down method for each year of the reporting period, using the authors’ calculation of the weighted average VAT rate in the Czech Republic. The results of the years under review show a VAT gap of more than CZK 100,000 million per year. The breakdown of the VAT Gap into individual parts shows that it is mainly due to the intentional misrepresentation of data by business entities. The VAT Gap associated with this factor ranged from CZK 40,004 to CZK 52,765 million in the monitored years. Only 3.53%–7.03% of the VAT Gap of unlawful tax evasion is subject to prosecution for the tax evasion offense.
</abstract>

Czech VAT Gap Progress

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> Corruption is a widespread phenomenon in all countries undergoing market transition. However, the Czech Republic stands apart, with its incredible entanglement of corruption, politics and business. Although corruption on the firm level in the Czech Republic is heavily criticized, the results of our in-depth interviews conducted with Czech SMEs showed that almost every firm has encountered some form of corruption and even used corruption to either increase sales, help negotiations, or increase production. Most of our respondents admitted that corruption was useful for day-to-day business. This article aims to obtain information about the state of corruption in enterprises in the Czech Republic and map the behaviour of entrepreneurs in companies. Our results offer ways to fight corruption: apart from highlighting the negative traits of corruption, emphasis should be made on determining to what extent corruption would be acceptable for firms and their clients. This could be useful for designing various state policies that might influence system change and market development in CEECs and both directly and indirectly influence the volume of corruption.</abstract>

Department of marketing communication and PR, Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University in Prague, Smetanovo nábreží 6, 110 01 Praha 1, Czech Republic

Department of marketing communication and PR, Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University in Prague,Smetanovo nábreží 6, 110 01 Praha 1, Czech Republic

Corruption and System Change in the Czech Republic: Firm-Level Evidence

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Various internet platforms have rapidly developed into central points of everyday life, for private individuals as well as for companies (often dominated by a single or a few companies). At the same time these internet platforms are advancing into more and more areas of business. This creates the risk of dependency, abuse of power, manipulation, concentration of power, centralization of data and information with corresponding effects on technological development, innovation, economy, society and politics. From an economic point of view, this article examines how the strong market positions of internet platforms arise and can be maintained. The dynamics of these technology and innovation-driven markets and the differences from conventional markets are also discussed. These internet markets have emerged from a series of innovations and are characterized by rapid technological development. Taking into account the economic peculiarities as well as knowledge from innovation and governance research, recommendations are drawn up on how these problems can be dealt with.
</abstract>

Some Economic Characteristics of Internet Platforms

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> This paper estimates the efficiency of Czech commercial banks during the period 2001 to 2011. We applied Dynamic Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to data from Czech commercial banks. The DEA measures the relative efficiency of a homogeneous set of decision-making units (DMUs) in their use of multiple inputs to produce multiple outputs. Dynamic Data Envelopment Analysis is a new approach which estimates the performance of a group of DMUs during several periods of time. The results of Dynamic DEA models showed that the average efficiency computed under the assumption of constant returns to scale reached a value of 86.7% and that the average efficiency estimated under the assumption of variable returns to scale was 95.7%. Efficiency slightly increased in the period analysed. The result of scale efficiency found that the main source of inefficiency is the inaccurate size of the biggest banks and also the excess client deposits managed by Czech banks.</abstract>

ESTIMATION OF BANKING EFFICIENCY IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC: DYNAMIC DATA ENVELOPMENT ANALYSIS

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> In 2011, the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Slovenia made a historical decision on the ‘Tito street’ case, thereby placing human dignity at the centre of the constitutional order. A few years later, some related doubts not resolved by the Constitutional Court remain. For instance, the Court argues that an exhaustive a priori definition of human dignity is impossible since the notion depends on the development of its historical and ethical substance over time. The question thus arises of why legislation states that human dignity is universal even though it can be perceived as being a product of time and place. In this paper, we strive to answer this question by arguing that human dignity has two dimensions, initial dignity and realised dignity, and interpret the Court’s decision from a new angle. Thereby, the aim of this paper is to build a conceptual framework of human dignity and discuss it from a fresh perspective as well as to prove its applicability by presenting Slovenian constitutional case law. The paper offers significant insights into the discussion and may therefore help to improve future interpretations of human dignity in the field of constitutional case law.</abstract>

Understanding the Different Dimensions of Human Dignity: Analysis of the Decision of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Slovenia on the »Tito Street« Case

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DANUBE

 DANUBE is an international professional journal referring to the tradition of the humanities-oriented periodical of the same title, which was first published in Vienna as early as...

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 DANUBE is an international professional journal referring to the tradition of the humanities-oriented periodical of the same title, which...