Generolo Jono Žemaičio Lietuvos karo akademija

The Žilina region is located in north-western Slovakia. Considering the amount of GDP, unemployment, employment and average wage, it belongs among the medium-performance regions in Slovakia. FDI is considered one of the factors promoting its sustainable development, economic performance and balancing regional differences. A positive aspect of FDI in terms of regional development is the fact that they contribute to an efficient allocation of resources, as investors are directing their investments in those regions where they expect the achievement of economies of scale. FDI began to increasingly flow to the Žilina region after 2004, in connection with the arrival of KIA Motors and establishing its subcontracting partners. The aim of this article is to point out the condition and development of economic performance and FDI in the Žilina region, and to demonstrate a causal relationship between FDI and the sustainable development of the region.

The paper gives an analysis of changes in the refinery business ownership structure in two “new” EU members: Poland and Croatia, after their shift to market based economy. The key area of analysis refers to the state control over refinery assets as a tool of national energy security. Refinery sectors in both countries are presented focusing on their respective strengths and weaknesses. Changes in ownership structure of three major players: INA, LOTOS and PKN ORLEN are reviewed in order to establish how they affected sustainability and development of these entities. The paper takes into account not only the interests of Poland and Croatia, but also refers to Hungary, Czech Republic and Lithuania. The analysis was performed with regards to the general trends and expectations in the European refinery sector. Our conclusions indicate that state control over key refinery assets represent a valuable tool for energy policy and, in cases when lost, it has to be compensated by other measures. If refining capacity is left unchecked and uncontrolled energy security of the country is easily threatened. This situation often leads to an almost paradoxical situation where the energy security of individual EU member countries can easily be in conflict with the overall EU energy security policy and guidelines.

The presented paper aims to discuss new Lithuania’s in role taking presidency of the EU and to evaluate Lithuania’s development process. State of Lithuanian economy is being presented; aims of further development are identified. The context of other European countries is being taken into account. Authors rely on critical analysis of contemporary scientific literature and comparative statistics. Among driving forces affecting process of economic development investments of foreign origin and increasing level of education are being distinguished. Insights considering a role of the latter driving forces are being offered.

The objective of this article is to explore how roles the perceived value of the cultural activities in the evaluation of the consumers’ quality of life. First, we study the perceived value comparing two main approaches to the conceptualization of the perceived value. Next, we look over the quality of life studies in the cultural industry. We carried out a qualitative study among adult consumers in a Hungarian Region. Based on our results we explored the main components of the quality of life by subjective evaluation. We found that functional expression appears clearly against the emotional ones in the evaluation of the perceived value related to the cultural activities.

Sustainability and security assessment currently arises as comprehensive and integrated approach. Sustainable development is a fundamental and overarching objective of the European Union (EU) countries. It aims to improve the quality of life of citizens through sustainable communities that manage and use resources, by linking economic development and security, protection of the environment and social justice. Measuring progress towards sustainable development is an integral part of the EU Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS), that defines objectives and targets intended to put the European Union on a path towards sustainable development. The issue of economic security and sustainability has been analyzed in theory from different perspectives. In many studies the macroeconomic indicator Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the best-recognized measure of economic performance in the world. However, GDP may measure economic growth but does not involve all aspects of sustainable growth or development. In order to effectively measure progress and wealth, clear indicators are needed that incorporate social and environmental costs and benefits. There is no shortage of research on indicators complementary to GDP, but this remains a subject for academic discussions. In order to manage security and sustainability, society has to formulate clear and measurable goals of sustainability. The level, at which these goals are achieved, might be measured using sustainable development indicators. The paper aims to reveal prevailing conceptual approaches of sustainability from the macroeconomic as well as corporation perspectives, to summarize and compare the key factors describing sustainable development. The method of the research is based on logic abstraction that encompasses generalizations and examinations on theoretical approaches and academics’ surveys.