"Scientific research" Almanac

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  VOLUNTEERISM IN BULGARIA – STATE, TRENDS AND PROSPECTS

  The objective of the study is to research the state and trends of volunteerism in our country and to outline the prospects for development. In this respect, the main tasks are as follows: to research and summarize the latest theoretical formulations and normative documents on the discussed topic; to present an objective analysis of the current ... The objective of the study is to research the state and trends of volunteerism in our country and to outline the prospects for development. In this respect, the main tasks are as follows: to research and summarize the latest theoretical formulations and normative documents on the discussed topic; to present an objective analysis of the current situation in Bulgaria regarding the existing perception of and attitude towards volunteerism; to carry out a survey among volunteers, which will shape up the profile of the Bulgarian volunteer and the parameters of the existing practice; to define the condi¬tions imposing the need for confirming volunteerism as an important element in overcoming the consequences of the financial and economic crisis and as a tool for social inclusion of disadvantaged groups. The main research thesis that is defended is that in our country volunteerism is acknowledged as a useful and significant activity for the European community, state and society, and it is expected to play an even more significant role in the support of important social systems of the European countries in the future. The survey we have carried out focuses on individuals who perform volunteer activities within volunteer organizations or individually. The state of volunteerism as a phenomenon is outlined and ideas and recommendations for its development in the new economic realities are formulated.

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  THE HYPOTHESIS ABOUT ACCESSION TO THE EUROPEAN BANKING UNION – OPPORTUNITIES AND DANGERS FOR BULGARIA

  The idea of creating a European Banking Union occurs in times of crisis after identifying some gaps in the activities of the existing establishments and institutions and their inability to ensure the smooth functioning of the banking sector in the European Union and in the Eurozone in particular. Over the last three years (2012 – 2015), a number ... The idea of creating a European Banking Union occurs in times of crisis after identifying some gaps in the activities of the existing establishments and institutions and their inability to ensure the smooth functioning of the banking sector in the European Union and in the Eurozone in particular. Over the last three years (2012 – 2015), a number of measures for the institutionalization of the European Banking Union have been taken. These measures have led to contradictory views and have raised a number of questions regarding opportunities and dangers of its application. The subject is topical so the study tries to clarify the need for the existence of the European Banking Union and revises the mechanism of functioning of the European Banking Union through its three pillars. In this context, controversial issues in terms of the practical applicability of the ideas underlying the European Banking Union are outlined, potential positive and negative results in case Bulgaria decides to join the Union are also clarified, and a recommendation on the issue is formulated. The thesis that is defended in the study is as follows: ‘centralization of the regulatory framework of bank supervision, crisis and post-crisis management through the European Banking Union is an objective necessity in order to ensure the smooth functioning of the EU banking sector.’ As a result of its defense, the identified gaps in the national legislation after the global economic crisis and taking into account the loss of institutional trust, including in the banking sector, undertaking timely steps for Bulgaria’s accession to the European Banking Union is regarded as a positive aspect to the banking sector and the national economy.

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  IMPACT OF THE SCHEME FOR CO-FINANCING INSURANCE PREMIUMS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURAL INSURANCE IN BULGARIA

  This study presents the results of an empirical research conducted in 2015 on the impact of the scheme for co-financing insurance premiums on the development of agricultural insurance in Bulgaria. The main objective is to study the impact of the scheme for co-financing insurance premiums of farmers on the development of agricultural insurance in ... This study presents the results of an empirical research conducted in 2015 on the impact of the scheme for co-financing insurance premiums on the development of agricultural insurance in Bulgaria. The main objective is to study the impact of the scheme for co-financing insurance premiums of farmers on the development of agricultural insurance in Bulgaria. The thesis statement is that subsidizing farmers through co-financing insurance premiums, which is part of the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union, changes the ways of offering agricultural insurance, streamlines the services offered to farmers using insurance, improves the communication between companies and farmers and facilitates the search for information and the purchase of agricultural insurance by farmers. Balanced subsidizing of insurance premiums will lead to an increase in the development of the insurance companies and the market as a whole, and hence to achieving their strategic goals successfully. The thesis statement is proved by solving the following major tasks: - the data showing the state of agricultural insurance in Bulgaria is systematized and analyzed; - the dynamics of the development of agricultural insurance for the period after the introduction of the scheme for co-financing insurance premiums is studied; - the expected benefits to farmers, insurance companies and the state from continuing and expanding the scope of the scheme for co-financing insurance premiums are highlighted. It was found that more and more farmers show interest in the scheme for co-financing insurance premiums and benefit from it. As a result, the scope of agricultural insurance increases substantially.