Papers by Studia Europejskie
Studia Europejskie – Studies in European Affairs, 2023
The research problem of this paper concerns energy security in the regional and global dimensions... more The research problem of this paper concerns energy security in the regional and global dimensions in the context of Azerbaijan's role in its construction, the aim being to verify whether Azerbaijan is one of the key elements in building energy security, especially in the South Caucasus, but also in relation to the European Union and even in a global sense. The factorial and comparative methods were mainly used to examine the indicated subject matter. This article shows that both natural conditions and the appropriate actions of the Azerbaijani authorities have been strengthening the country's role for several decades not only as the main element of the energy security of the South Caucasus, but also as one of the key factors in building the energy security of the European Union and is shaping itself as a signifi cant co-creator of global security in this sphere. Azerbaijan's achievements to date in the sphere of energy security and forecasts for the future allow one to conclude that the state will have an increasingly stronger position as a guarantor of security in the discussed sphere in the South Caucasus, and its role as a co-builder of the Union's energy security will take on new, unprecedented shapes. Also, in the global dimension, the role of Azerbaijan will increase.
Studia Europejskie – Studies in European Affairs, 2023
This article provides insight into Turkey's strategic pursuit of a more active and infl uential r... more This article provides insight into Turkey's strategic pursuit of a more active and infl uential role as a mediator in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Turkey, positioning itself as a middle power, seeks to elevate its global standing. This involves a delicate diplomatic balancing act in its foreign policy approach towards both Russia and Ukraine. The equilibrium thus achieved positions Turkey as a natural mediator, serving as a catalyst for brokering a peace initiative among the confl icting parties. Ankara's diplomatic activism is not just a tactical move but also a manifestation of Turkey's broader global ambitions, underlining its commitment to playing a more signifi cant role in shaping international affairs. These aspirations clash with a rising penchant in Turkey to pursue a more militaristic and coercive foreign policy, which stands in contradiction to the role of a benign power.
Studia Europejskie – Studies in European Affairs, 2023
The corporate social responsibility (CSR) landscape of Ukraine's retail sector underwent profound... more The corporate social responsibility (CSR) landscape of Ukraine's retail sector underwent profound and global transformations during the COVID-19 pandemic and the extensive Russian incursion into Ukraine in 2022. These transformations were precipitated by rapid changes in the operational activities of the retail sector's enterprises, resulting from signifi cant external disruptions. Consequently, the primary objective of this study is to analyse the indicators of the CSR status of Ukraine's retail enterprises and ascertain the extent of the changes that occurred due to the pandemic and Russia's incursion. The study also aims to determine the infl uence of these transformations on CSR initiatives and identify key issues within the realm of corporate social responsibility in Ukraine's retail sector. To quantify these changes, indicators of CSR status encompassing key
Studia Europejskie – Studies in European Affairs, 2023
Ukraine is currently facing an armed onslaught, the likes of which no European country has strugg... more Ukraine is currently facing an armed onslaught, the likes of which no European country has struggled with since the Second World War, and it will probably take years to repair the country physically and the population mentally. However, to ensure that the future recovery process does not begin with a return to the past, a thorough analysis of the state of affairs before the intensifi cation of the Russian onslaught in 2022, which began in 2014, is needed. The primary purpose of writing the article is to show, with real examples, the ineffectiveness of the prewar state-forming
Studia Europejskie – Studies in European Affairs, 2023
The unprovoked Russian invasion on Ukraine on 24 th February 2022 awakened in Poland a tremendous... more The unprovoked Russian invasion on Ukraine on 24 th February 2022 awakened in Poland a tremendous amount of solidarity with the Ukrainian people, including that of food solidarity. Food aid organised by the Polish government was preceded by initiatives of private citizens and NGOs to supply Ukrainian refugees-those gathered at the border and entering Poland-with ready-to-eat food, with more spontaneous food aid continuing after they arrived. It was only somewhat later that these grassroots efforts became coordinated by local governments and state bodies. Direct help was accompanied by two other, bottom-up initiatives, the fi rst of which being attempts to boycott Russian food products, as well as companies and retail chains which continued doing business in Russia post-invasion, and the second being a symbolic renaming of some food products and dishes that indicated Russian origins or infl uences. This work aims to analyse food aid organised for Ukrainian refugees and people remaining in Ukraine as conducted by various entities in Poland. It stresses the signifi cance of the activism of private citizens and small groups while also presenting the social and cultural implications of the symbolic de-russifi cation of popular foods and dishes in Poland. While discussing Polish food solidarity with Ukrainians, it is important to consider that, one year after Putin's invasion, about 1.5 million Ukrainian refugees (of which over 87% are women and children) might be staying in Poland long-term (Sieradzka, 2023; Zharova, 2023). The initial impetus for solidarity is, however, wearing off; the new context also includes so-called "solidarity lanes" established by the European Union to transit agricultural products, which have unintentionally put Polish farmers in a diffi cult position. As food solidarity with Ukraine might be subsiding in Poland, its popularity
Studia Europejskie – Studies in European Affairs, 2023
In 2022, Russia's war against Ukraine shook the world and kickstarted an active humanitarian oper... more In 2022, Russia's war against Ukraine shook the world and kickstarted an active humanitarian operation to save war-affected Ukrainians. All the neighbouring countries of Ukraine were forced to react actively. However, the subsequent refugee crisis affected Poland the most. Currently, Poland is playing the most important role among the countries receiving war refugees from Ukraine, which raises obvious questions about future developments and possible future challenges in relations between Ukraine and Poland and, above all, migration policy itself. The objective of this paper is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of Poland's policy in the fi eld of accepting refugees and to examine the relevant legislation and procedures related to Ukrainian refugees, thereby shedding light on the assistance and support mechanisms put in place by the Polish authorities. Furthermore, this study seeks to draw insightful conclusions regarding the impact of Ukrainian refugees on Poland's economic and social spheres, in addition to exploring the refugees' integration into various aspects of daily life. A critical aspect of this research involves a comparative analysis to ascertain whether Poland's policy towards Ukrainian refugees has undergone any signifi cant changes since the beginning of the full-scale invasion on February 24 th , 2022. This timeline provides a crucial backdrop for understanding how evolving geopolitical dynamics may have infl uenced Poland's approach.
Studia Europejskie – Studies in European Affairs, 2023
Year 2022 brought increasing uncertainty and new challenges around the world, including in the Eu... more Year 2022 brought increasing uncertainty and new challenges around the world, including in the European Union (EU), mainly related to the Russian aggression against Ukraine and its direct and indirect effects for all EU Member States. Europe fi nds itself in a diffi cult situation which provokes refl ection on the current shape of the EU's security policy and the need to rethink and structure its stipulations. Faced with Russian aggression against Ukraine, the EU has implemented a number of new foreign policy initiatives and measures to support both the economy of Ukraine and of its member states. This article explores the issue of EU and Ukrainian economic security in the context of the fi nancial and economic intervention measures taken by the Union to maintain sustainable development in the region. The EU support is helping Ukraine to survive, while on the other hand the EU has certain demands regarding Ukrainian reforms and certain aspects of its policies. These sensitive issues regarding the inadequacy of the EU's role in relation to recent challenges are topical in the debate in Ukraine.
Studia Europejskie – Studies in European Affairs, 2023
This study examines the intricate shifts in political competition during the period of martial la... more This study examines the intricate shifts in political competition during the period of martial law in Ukraine, with a focus on alterations in dynamics and their potential implications for the postwar political landscape. Employing data from reputable institutions, parliamentary voting records, and analyses of current events, this study aims to provide insights into the extent of changes in political competition and its infl uence on the upcoming party system confi guration. The analysis reveals noteworthy patterns, such as the shift in legislative focus towards foreign policy and defence post-full-scale invasion, and the increased parliamentary support for the Ukrainian president's initiatives, largely due to personal infl uence rather than party affi liations. The study also examines the evolving voting dynamics in parliament, characterised by two distinct periods, shedding light on the challenges of securing crucial votes for signifi cant bills. In light of these fi ndings, this study emphasises the importance of a well-thoughtout action plan to restore the electoral process in postwar Ukraine, taking into account the challenges posed by the current electoral system and regional variations in voter turnout. The study concludes by highlighting the need for intensive support for Ukraine's military efforts as the primary means of ensuring a quick return to the democratic electoral process.
Studia Europejskie – Studies in European Affairs and Zdzisław Śliwa, 2023
Historically, Estonia has suffered many years of hostilities infl icted by Russia, with Russia be... more Historically, Estonia has suffered many years of hostilities infl icted by Russia, with Russia being a constant threat towards the nation's identity and sovereignty, including the loss of its independence and coming under and enduring belligerent Russian occupation. Recently, Moscow's policy escalated by their unilaterally using military power against Ukraine in an attempt to subordinate the nation while harbouring desires to restore their sphere of infl uence. 2022's aggression came as no surprise to Tallinn, as the nation's leadership had issued warnings about Russia's intentions, based on understanding its nature and being aware of what a so-called "Russian world" means. This article aims to focus on presenting the impact of Russian aggression against Ukraine on Estonia within three domains of understanding; those of the political, public, and military, and the author will use scientifi c methods including the collection of original data and a systematic review of existing literature and studies, along with analyses, syntheses, and elements of comparative analysis. The case study, of course, concerns Estonia. The research contends that the Russian Federation is and will continue to be considered an existential threat, one which carries out both continuous and decisive non-military and military activities against its neighbours. These activities require Estonia to improve internal security with the need of regional and international support.
Studia Europejskie – Studies in European Affairs and Tomasz Stępniewski, 2023
This paper delves into the nuanced motivations underpinning Russia's 2014 invasion of Ukraine, ce... more This paper delves into the nuanced motivations underpinning Russia's 2014 invasion of Ukraine, centered on preserving stability for Putin's regime. Examining the intricate interplay between domestic and foreign concerns, the invasion emerged as a pivotal strategy to bolster domestic support and reinforce Russian leadership. Post-2012, Putin, in consolidating power through internal policies and external assertiveness, responded to catalysts-opposition protests in 2012 and Ukraine's "Revolution of Dignity" in 2014. State-controlled media played a crucial role in shaping narratives, framing the invasion as a defense against alleged Western "imperialist" threats. The paper scrutinises Putin's strategic evolution, highlighting the convergence of historical events, opposition dynamics, and media narratives in shaping the rationale behind Russia's impactful incursion into Ukraine.
Studia Europejskie – Studies in European Affairs and Agnieszka K. Cianciara, 2023
This article seeks to grasp the current dynamic of the European Union’s enlargement policy as sha... more This article seeks to grasp the current dynamic of the European Union’s enlargement policy as shaped by the exogenous shock of the Russian full-scale military invasion of Ukraine. It argues that external pressures matter as windows of opportunity, but the precise nature of the EU’s response to this geopolitical push is shaped by internal factors. Building on a recent work by Frank Schimmelfennig (2021), it further argues that the new enlargement dynamic can be usefully illuminated by the concept of bordering. More concretely, this research highlights external de-bordering and re-bordering strategies pursued by the relevant political actors within the EU, as they purposefully seek to use the geopolitical window of opportunity to transform existing bordering constellations in line with their preferences. Empirically, this article sheds light on Europe’s border-based games while drawing an analytical line between de-bordering and re-bordering strategies. The analysis reveals the limits of de-bordering, even under geopolitical and security emergency, but also underlines opportunities for agency.
Studia Europejskie – Studies in European Affairs and Vadym Zheltovskyy, 2023
The article examines the leadership shift toward the EU sanctions policy against Russia in contex... more The article examines the leadership shift toward the EU sanctions policy against Russia in context of ongoing reconsideration of status quo that was caused by full-scale Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The author draws attention to the transformation of the EU political leadership and their vision on the matter of foreign policy-making as a response to Russian aggression. Particular focus is put on the comparative analysis of competition outcomes between transactional and transformational viewpoints on sanction policy against Russia in years 2014-2021 and since February 2022.
Studia Europejskie – Studies in European Affairs and Krzysztof Feliks Śliwiński, 2023
This paper starts with an assumption that geopolitics, understood as one of the great schools of ... more This paper starts with an assumption that geopolitics, understood as one of the great schools of international relations, is not only still relevant but, indeed, should be one of the essential items in the toolkit of any student or policymaker who peruses the challenging and ever-eluding realm of international security. It draws chiefl y on Sir Halford Mackinder's Heartland theory in order to explain the dynamics of contemporary European security in general, and the ongoing war in Ukraine in particular. The analysis, which relies heavily on a historical examination of the geopolitical realities of Central and Eastern Europe, leads the author to a pair of conclusions. Firstly, the confl ict in Ukraine is likely to linger on albeit with unpredictable intensity and, secondly perhaps more importantly, the outcome of the war will only be one of many steps leading to the emergence of a new, possibly multipolar, international system and consequently, and more obviously, a new security system in Europe, which will be strongly infl uenced by Germany rather than by the United States as before.
Studia Europejskie-Studies in European Affairs, 2022
The open Russian military invasion of Ukraine supported by Belarus launched in February 2022 has ... more The open Russian military invasion of Ukraine supported by Belarus launched in February 2022 has changed the usual state of affairs and caused the economic, humanitarian, and migration crises. Several millions of Ukrainian people had to move to safer regions of the country, and a signifi cant share of them (mostly women, children, and elderly people) have left abroad in search of safer living conditions, which has become the worst migration crisis since the World War II. Many Ukrainian citizens have been forced to move to Russia. Poland hosts the largest number of Ukrainian citizens among the EU countries (about 60% of all refugees), much less left for Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, and Germany. Almost every European country helps Ukraine in some way or another, hosting its residents and providing asylum. The aim of this article is to investigate the tendencies and changes of forced migration in Ukraine in the conditions of war. The collective protection of displaced persons allows immediate assistance to many people in conditions of emergencies and reduces pressure on the system of asylum provision authorities. This decision provides the right to Ukrainians to live, work, and receive assistance in the EU countries avoiding the lingering process of asylum application submission and long waiting for the respective decision. The article highlights the comparison of standards for providing temporary protection of displaced persons in the EU countries that have accepted most of them. Certainly, the situation with the mass movement of people or leaving abroad will have negative consequences for Ukraine. The return of forcibly displaced from Ukraine will depend on what way of legal stay abroad
Studia Europejskie-Studies in European Affairs, 2022
The worst contemporary refugee crisis that occurred during the summer of 2015 challenged the basi... more The worst contemporary refugee crisis that occurred during the summer of 2015 challenged the basic values of the European Union. There had never been a time when the need for a consistent approach, both from the individual Member States and the EU as a whole, was more urgent. The Union's response during 2015's refugee crisis was unreliable, fragmented, and it largely affected the Western Balkan countries that are now aspiring to become EU Member States. This paper analyses how the EU's response to the refugee crisis has affected and still affects the countries in the Western Balkans, which are all in different stages of their European integration. The refugee crisis created many challenges for the Western Balkan countries which are all weak democracies and which have unstable institutions. This paper also analyses the numerous domestic costs connected to these countries when faced with the refugee crisis. Finally, the paper argues that, although largely harmonised with the EU acquis, the legislative and institutional frameworks for migration management in Western Balkan countries need further adjustment.
Studia Europejskie-Studies in European Affairs, 2022
The aim of this article is an attempt to answer the questions: how should Poland's policy towards... more The aim of this article is an attempt to answer the questions: how should Poland's policy towards the crisis on the border with Belarus be assessed from the humanitarian and human rights perspective? How should a country, in this case Poland, behave towards those crossing the border of that country, in a situation of deceitful importation and the subsequent use of innocent immigrants/ refugees as tools for hostile actions against a neighboring state by the authoritarian regime of Belarus? The article also attempts to answer a question about the challenges faced by non-governmental organisations and the important role they play in a situation where state policy is at variance with international law and basic ethical principles whereby human rights are violated. The analysis of the situation on the Polish-Belarusian border, based on the assumption that each state has a duty to protect its border, but at the same time it has a duty to protect human life and to make sure that the law is respected on that border, allows for the conclusion that Polish policy is in confl ict with international law and basic ethical principles. The article also shows the challenges faced by civic organisations and the very important role that civic organisations play in this situation.
Studia Europejskie-Studies in European Affairs, 2022
This article considers the concepts and theories of international migration which answer question... more This article considers the concepts and theories of international migration which answer questions about the current trends of migration fl ows. Particular emphasis has been placed on the transformation of established perceptions of women's migration as, under the infl uence of globalisation in the modern system of international coordinates, there is a trend that is interpreted as the "feminisation" of international migration. Designing theories and concepts of international migration on an explanation of the motives and specifi cs of the adaptation of Ukrainian labour migrants in Poland offers a basis upon which to argue that each of them is appropriate for application. In addition, a theoretical modelling of migration policy has been presented. In practice, national governments use such models of migration policy as: the complete exclusion of immigration into a country or profess a "closed-door policy", differentiated exclusion/segregation, integration as a gradual and weaker form of assimilation, the so-called "selective policy", and the assimilation, multicultural or "open-door policy". Future scenarios for the modelling of migration fl ows represented by leading international organisations
Studia Europejskie-Studies in European Affairs, 2022
Türkiye is becoming a new base in the global supply chain due to its geopolitical position and th... more Türkiye is becoming a new base in the global supply chain due to its geopolitical position and the cost advantages it provides. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, logistics problems, especially production and transportation costs, have further strengthened Türkiye's position in this context. Türkiye's strategic location, strong logistics infrastructure, costeffective and qualifi ed workforce, along with a liberal investment climate, offer a suitable environment for international companies. Türkiye ranks well in the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index, which evaluates countries' logistics performance in customs, transportation, and infrastructure. Türkiye has served as a bridge between the east and west since historical times. During the Seljuk period, caravanserais and other infrastructure and service areas were established in Anatolia to support commercial activities. The Silk Road, which had an important place until a certain period of the Ottoman Empire, lost its importance due to other developments. The "One Belt One Road Project" initiated by China, still in progress and planned to be completed in 2049, will make Türkiye even more important in terms of the global supply chain in the next 10 years. İpekyolu follows the northern and southern routes in Anatolia. With China's "One Belt One Road Project", the Silk Road will regain its former importance as the "Modern Silk Road". Chinese President Xi Jinping fi rst mentioned the Land and Sea Silk Road project in one of his speeches in 2013. It has been decided to name these two projects as the "Belt and Road Initiative-BRI" or the "One Belt One Road-OBOR" project. The word belt constitutes the land route of the project, which includes highways, railways, oil and natural gas pipelines, and infrastructure investments. The word road includes the sea routes
Studia Europejski-Studies in European Affairs, 2022
This contribution addresses the strategical, political, and cultural signifi cance of the Åland I... more This contribution addresses the strategical, political, and cultural signifi cance of the Åland Islands between Russia, Sweden, and Finland from 1809 to the present day. During the fi rst half of the 19 th century, Russia fulfi lled, with the conquest of the Åland Islands, one of its military goals which had been in place since the Petrine period, namely, to push forward the country's military control as far as to the Western border of Finland in order to secure Russia's capital St. Petersburg, and to threaten the capital of the kingdom of Sweden, Stockholm, in order to prevent a Swedish act of revenge for the loss of Sweden's control of the Eastern Baltic during the Great Northern War. At the same time, the islands were, in a political and cultural sense, an important ingredient of the upcoming Swedish and Finnish national movements. After the loss of Finland, the countries had tried to fi nd solace in national culture and past glories. In this respect, the question of why Sweden, during the Finnish Civil War, sent troops to the Åland Islands can be interpreted as part of Sweden's anti-Russian military agenda as well as being part of its cultural mission to protect the islands against Finnish and Russian attempts to make the island part of Finnish or Russian culture, and to subdue the overwhelmingly-Swedishspeaking population in the context of a Finnish national state. This Swedish-Finnish opposition, though, turned, during the interwar period, into a secret collaboration against Russian military interests in the Eastern Baltic region, whereby the control of the Åland Islands played a central role. Despite minor yet critical situations, the islands have enjoyed relative calm ever since. However, the outbreak of Russia's Ukrainian War threatens to cast doubt once again on the islands' status.
Studia Europejskie-Studies in European Affairs, 2022
Throughout its history, Finland’s relations with Russia have generally been determined by Russian... more Throughout its history, Finland’s relations with Russia have generally been determined by Russian attempts to secure control over the eastern part of the Baltic Sea region. In medieval times, it was mainly about the control of trade routes, especially between Novgorod, and Western Europe and Byzantium. After the founding of the new city of St. Petersburg by Peter the Great in 1703, the rulers of Russia were faced with the problem of ensuring security to that city. From a Russian point of view, it became vitally important to gain control over lands on the eastern side of the
Baltic Sea. When Finland became a Russian province in 1809, it seemed
that the Baltic security dilemmas of Russia had finally been resolved. However, the collapse of Tsarist Russia in 1917 changed that particular situation. Finland became independent, and Russia’s border moved east to
the outskirts of St. Petersburg (renamed Petrograd during World War I).
For the leaders of the Soviet Union, which had replaced the Romanov
Empire, World War II provided an opportunity to try to regain lost Finnish
territories. Although the Red Army did not manage to conquer Finland,
during two wars (occurring between 1939–1940 and 1941–1944), the
post war settlement saw the Soviet-Finnish border shift back westwards.
Finland also had to reckon with the requirements of the USSR’s security
policy and make it a priority of its own foreign policy.
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Papers by Studia Europejskie
Baltic Sea. When Finland became a Russian province in 1809, it seemed
that the Baltic security dilemmas of Russia had finally been resolved. However, the collapse of Tsarist Russia in 1917 changed that particular situation. Finland became independent, and Russia’s border moved east to
the outskirts of St. Petersburg (renamed Petrograd during World War I).
For the leaders of the Soviet Union, which had replaced the Romanov
Empire, World War II provided an opportunity to try to regain lost Finnish
territories. Although the Red Army did not manage to conquer Finland,
during two wars (occurring between 1939–1940 and 1941–1944), the
post war settlement saw the Soviet-Finnish border shift back westwards.
Finland also had to reckon with the requirements of the USSR’s security
policy and make it a priority of its own foreign policy.
Baltic Sea. When Finland became a Russian province in 1809, it seemed
that the Baltic security dilemmas of Russia had finally been resolved. However, the collapse of Tsarist Russia in 1917 changed that particular situation. Finland became independent, and Russia’s border moved east to
the outskirts of St. Petersburg (renamed Petrograd during World War I).
For the leaders of the Soviet Union, which had replaced the Romanov
Empire, World War II provided an opportunity to try to regain lost Finnish
territories. Although the Red Army did not manage to conquer Finland,
during two wars (occurring between 1939–1940 and 1941–1944), the
post war settlement saw the Soviet-Finnish border shift back westwards.
Finland also had to reckon with the requirements of the USSR’s security
policy and make it a priority of its own foreign policy.