"Scientific research" Almanac

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  OPPORTUNITIES FOR INCREASING THE ABSORPTION OF EU FUNDS THROUGH IMPROVING ACCOUNTING AND INTERNAL CONTROL

  To best protect the national and European interests in the process of funds absorption requires complying with certain criteria such as legality, efficiency and economy. Applying them requires good functioning of the accounting systems and timely internal control on the administration of EU funds and programmes. The processes of absorption of EU ... To best protect the national and European interests in the process of funds absorption requires complying with certain criteria such as legality, efficiency and economy. Applying them requires good functioning of the accounting systems and timely internal control on the administration of EU funds and programmes. The processes of absorption of EU funds throughout the Union are accompanied by attempts of fraud and abuse. Bulgaria is the only country in which no one has been convicted for illegal actions with European funds so far. This omission is not due to lack of offenders but to the imperfection of accounting and control systems. They do not function effectively, and therefore are unable to identify infringements or provide convincing evidence for them. Internal audit is part of the system of public internal financial control established by the executive authorities. Its purpose is to confirm that the spending of national and European public finances is carried out in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Bulgaria and the Directives of the EU Council. It must ensure the protection of public property, the proper preparation and correctness of financial documents and the accounting policy applied.

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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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  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.