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35311. Governance of the Free Movement of EU Citizens: Weathering the Storm of Politicisation

Author:
Alex Lazarowicz
Publication Date:
03-2015
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
The Polish Institute of International Affairs
Abstract:
Despite the limited mobility of EU citizens across the European Economic Area, let alone that of migrants, this cherished right has found itself at the centre of political debates in Europe. As illustrated by the key cases debated, and against the backdrop of a rise of populist solutions, one cannot expect a complete overhaul of the free movement framework. All in all, intra-EU mobility for EU citizens and migrants has not been changed as such, only certain provisions have been specified. To this end, bilateral cooperation between sending and receiving countries gains in importance. Cooperation between Norway and Poland, especially on integration, could help depoliticise the debate, and ensure the continued success of Polish workers in Norway.

35312. The Black Box of European Legislation: The Motivation (or Lack of It) behind Transparency in EU Policymaking

Author:
Karolina Borońska-Hryniewiecka
Publication Date:
03-2015
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
The Polish Institute of International Affairs
Abstract:
One of the political ambitions of European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and his first vice-president, Frans Timmermans, is to push for more openness in European Union policymaking. However, the improvements they propose are substantially undermined by opaque decision-making procedures and the lack of consistency in EU institutional culture. The open-governance drive is also stymied by fears among the Member States that too much disclosure might diminish effective policymaking there. Yet, if the EU does not understand that it needs to present a unified approach to transparency vis-à-vis its citizens, it will never evolve into a genuine political union.

35313. Can Ukraine Mimic Poland’s Transition? The Limits of Its Latest Economic Changes

Author:
Sebastian Płóciennik
Publication Date:
03-2015
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
The Polish Institute of International Affairs
Abstract:
Once again, Ukraine has a chance to transform its economic system and build a democratic capitalist one. It is tempting to say that Central European countries such as Poland in particular constitute a good pattern for Kyiv’s reforms. However, this time will be different in many respects, and simply re-running an older plan will not work.

35314. Neither “NATO’s Foreign Legion” Nor the “Donbass International Brigades:” (Where Are All the) Foreign Fighters in Ukraine?

Author:
Kacper Rękawek
Publication Date:
03-2015
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
The Polish Institute of International Affairs
Abstract:
The conflict in Ukraine continues to attract global attention. Moreover, foreigners are also involved in actual combat in the eastern part of the country. Russians, be they soldiers or volunteers, are the dominant foreign group in the war zone. Others, mostly Europeans, constitute neither “NATO’s foreign legion” nor the “Donbass international brigades,” as their numbers likely do not exceed 300 on either side of the conflict. Interestingly enough, many of these European foreign fighters share common ideological roots, i.e., anti-Americanism, anti-liberalism, extreme nationalism, fascination with authoritarianism, rejection of European integration, but these do not, however, stop them from taking opposing sides in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. They, as a group or as lone individuals, might constitute a threat to European security and must be closely monitored.

35315. Never Ending Crisis—Prospects for the Belarusian Economy

Author:
Anna Maria Dyner
Publication Date:
04-2015
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
The Polish Institute of International Affairs
Abstract:
During 2014, the Belarusian economy experienced serious problems, which were deepened by the crisis in Russia. Further deterioration of the economic situation in Russia and Belarus’ other trade partners such as Ukraine mean that 2015 could be much worse. That is why the Belarusian authorities need external financial support, although this need is still not forcing them to conduct structural reforms. Moreover, as presidential elections are planned for November, the president, Aliaksandr Lukashenka will traditionally try to postpone reforms and impose pro-social policies.

35316. Civil Society Networks in the EU Integration of Serbia

Author:
Bojan Elek, Ljiljana Ubovic, and Tomasz Żornaczuk
Publication Date:
04-2015
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
The Polish Institute of International Affairs
Abstract:
Countries wishing to accede to the EU must involve civil society organisations (CSOs) actively in the process. In Serbia, in order to champion their effectiveness in cooperation with the government, the CSOs gathered in networks, and the three main, nationwide ones have proven to be of greatest relevance. The National Convention on the EU covers all 35 negotiation chapters, the Sectoral Civil Society Organisations group is involved in pre-accession funds distribution, while prEUgovor focuses exclusively on the hottest potato in the negotiations, which concerns chapters 23 and 24. Although in general terms the legal basis and good practices for such collaboration are established, more understanding of the government’s approach to the CSOs is needed in order to achieve visible benefits.

35317. Towards China’s Great Power Diplomacy under Xi Jinping

Author:
Justyna Szczudlik-Tatar
Publication Date:
04-2015
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
The Polish Institute of International Affairs
Abstract:
Under the fifth generation of leaders, a conceptual shift in China’s foreign policy is becoming abundantly apparent. Xi Jinping is more clearly jettisoning long-standing Deng Xiaoping’s foreign policy dictum of “hide and bide,” calling for big power diplomacy and a great revitalisation of the Chinese nation. This is not merely rhetoric. China is becoming more active in its closest neighbourhood and Asia, and is expanding its influence worldwide. Apart from coining new diplomatic catchphrases to win hearts and minds, China is establishing new institutions as an alternative to the Western-led global architecture, to reflect its ascendancy and normative power.

35318. Mobile EU Citizens or Migrants? Assessing the Polish Diaspora in Norway

Author:
Marta Stormowska
Publication Date:
05-2015
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
The Polish Institute of International Affairs
Abstract:
Between 2004 and 2014, the number of Poles in Norway grew tenfold. Poles have become the biggest minority in Norway, bringing economic benefits for both countries but also social challenges. Whereas the effects of migration for sending and receiving countries differ, there are many areas in which cooperation could bring mutual benefits. Such cooperation based on the respect of the fundamental freedom of EU citizens’ free access to the labour market should lead to better integration of migrants. However, the biggest challenge in this respect lies in embracing the diversity of flows occurring within the free movement framework, ranging from short term stays to permanent settlements

35319. Poland’s Policy towards the Arctic: Key Areas and Priority Actions

Author:
Michal Łuszczuk, Piotr Graczyk, Adam Stępień, and Małgorzata Śmieszek
Publication Date:
05-2015
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
The Polish Institute of International Affairs
Abstract:
Given the multidimensional transformation taking place in the Arctic, it is timely to redefine and develop Poland’s engagement in the region. Although Poland has neither vital nor direct political and economic interests in the Arctic, the state’s multi-faceted involvement in international cooperation in that region may improve national security as well as enhance Poland’s international standing, especially in the EU, European and transatlantic dimensions. A clearly defined and comprehensive Arctic policy should be the foundation for further Polish engagement in the region. How this policy should look may be determined on the basis of the previous achievements, current potential, and identification of key rationales and of the areas for future activities.

35320. Russia’s Use of History as a Political Weapon

Author:
Justyna Prus
Publication Date:
05-2015
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
The Polish Institute of International Affairs
Abstract:
Russia’s use of history as a political weapon may have long term negative consequences. The manipulated narrative will be difficult to reverse and, could lead to an even more confrontational attitude towards immediate neighbours and the West. Western countries cannot remain passive. To counter Russian historical propaganda, they will have to adopt and effectively use the narrative based on truth and common values.