Search Results (20)

The extension of the European Union Emissions Trading System to buildings and road transport (ETS2) raises important questions about the distribution of carbon pricing burdens across Member States. While existing research has primarily focused on income differences or household typologies, the structural heterogeneity of vulnerability across EU countries remains insufficiently explored. This study develops a dual-channel framework of household vulnerability to ETS2, distinguishing between structural carbon exposure and socio-economic sensitivity. Using a balanced panel of 27 EU Member States over 2010–2024, we construct composite indices based on Eurostat data and combine cluster analysis, sigma-convergence tests, and two-way fixed-effects models with Driscoll–Kraay standard errors. The results suggest that the two vulnerability channels are empirically distinct and geographically differentiated across Member States, with no country group simultaneously characterized by high exposure and high sensitivity. Energy productivity and renewable energy expansion are associated with lower structural exposure but higher socio-economic sensitivity, consistent with a transitional burden mechanism. Over time, composite vulnerability exhibits statistically significant divergence, despite partial and uneven convergence across the underlying vulnerability dimensions. These findings highlight the need for differentiated compensation mechanisms and structural policy interventions that address both structural exposure and socio-economic sensitivity, supporting a socially equitable and sustainable energy transition under ETS2. Full article

The growing emphasis on environmental sustainability within the European Union raises important questions about the internal structure of corporate environmental effort. This study examines environmental expenditures (intermediate consumption of environmental protection services) and environmental investments (gross fixed capital formation for environmental protection) in ten EU member states over 2015–2022, using Eurostat Environmental Protection Expenditure Accounts data at both the national and sectoral levels (NACE Rev.2 sectors A, B, C, D). Two hypotheses are tested empirically. First, sectoral differences in the investment-to-expenditure ratio are statistically significant (Kruskal–Wallis H = 27.72, p < 0.0001): electricity, mining, and manufacturing each display a higher ratio than agriculture, with the most pronounced contrast for electricity. Second, Eastern European member states exhibit a systematically higher investment-to-expenditure ratio than the remaining countries in the sample (level difference: β = +1.01, p < 0.001), although the two groups follow parallel trajectories without convergence or divergence over the period examined. Building on the relative intensity of the two indicators, the study proposes a four-quadrant typology—active transformation, investment focus, maintenance model, and low-intensity profile—whose stability is confirmed by bootstrap resampling, sub-sample analysis, and an alternative deflator specification. The findings suggest that the internal composition of environmental effort is as informative as its overall level and that sectoral disaggregation is essential for characterising patterns of environmental effort in the EU. Full article

This study maps European countries’ resilience to cognitive warfare by developing a cross-national composite measure. The framework integrates three pillars: information ecology, institutional-digital capacity, and socioeconomic context—drawing on a systemic perspective linking social structures to societal functions. Publicly available secondary indicators are compiled from online sources for EU (European Union) and EEA (European Economics Area) states. The dataset is examined through descriptive analysis, association testing, multivariate modelling, dimensionality reduction to derive a composite resilience score, and unsupervised clustering to produce a country typology. Indicators capture governance effectiveness, e-government maturity, public-sector AI (Artificial Intelligence) readiness, digital connectivity and infrastructure, media freedom and broader media-ecosystem quality, academic freedom, and socioeconomic vulnerabilities such as youth labour market exclusion. Results show that resilience aligns most strongly with institutional capacity and governance performance; a healthy ecology acts as a reinforcing layer. Digital infrastructure appears necessary but insufficient without capable, credible institutions and coherent public policy. Socioeconomic vulnerabilities tend to erode resilience and heighten susceptibility to hostile cognitive influence. The study concludes that policy efforts should prioritise governance integrity and effectiveness, end-to-end digital government, responsible public-sector AI capability, and safeguards for media and academic autonomy, alongside measures that improve youth inclusion. Full article

Cities are among the major consumers of environmental resources and contribute significantly to the degradation of many ecosystems. For this reason, the European Union is prioritising the transformation of the role of European cities to become key actors in enabling sustainable and efficient urban systems. Part of this effort is enacted through the Mission “Cities,” that guides cities in developing Climate City Contracts (CCC), which are innovative governance instruments that outline municipalities’ collaborative and systemic plans to reach climate neutrality. This article examines how 102 Mission Cities across Europe plan to reach climate neutrality by 2030, by analysing the selection of typologies of actions included in their CCCs. Results reveal distinct regional patterns in how municipalities design their portfolios of climate actions in key topics: an integrated and diversified combination of sectoral measures and governance innovations in Northern and Western Europe, a focus on upgrading core infrastructures in Central and Eastern Europe, and prioritisation of interventions in mobility and the Built Environment in Southern Europe. These findings provide insights for policy and planning strategies, and highlight countries that progress faster in specific topics and those that still face relevant barriers. Full article

Food waste remains a significant challenge in the European Union, reflecting structural differences across economic sectors and member states. This study examines how macroeconomic conditions relate to sectoral food waste using harmonized Eurostat data for the EU-27, covering five stages of the food chain and three economic indicators: GDP (Gross Domestic Product) per capita, adjusted gross disposable income per capita, and the Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices for food. The research design integrates factor analysis, structural equation modeling, and hierarchical clustering. Results show that income-related variables have a positive, statistically significant effect on overall food waste, particularly in manufacturing and distribution. In contrast, food prices show a negative, statistically non-significant relationship with waste generation. Cluster analysis identifies two statistically distinct country groups; however, substantial internal heterogeneity indicates that these clusters reflect structural economic configurations rather than typological or behavioral categories. The findings suggest that macroeconomic factors partially explain cross-country differences in food waste and support the need for context-sensitive, sector-specific policy interventions. Full article

Energy is a key resource determining economic and social development. The aim of the study was to identify and analyze patterns in the energy economy of European Union countries in 2019 and 2023 using the self-organizing maps (SOMs) method, which is an artificial intelligence tool. This approach enables unsupervised clustering of countries based on complex data, revealing hidden relationships between energy indicators. Analysis of Eurostat data showed that over the analyzed period, five countries improved their cluster position, one country experienced a decline, and the remaining 21 countries retained their previous assignment. The grouping of the countries in 2023 was more diverse, with a clear concentration of countries with favorable development parameters. The results of the study provide valuable guidance for EU energy policy, supporting the planning of a sustainable transition in the context of challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Full article

Non-food geographical indications (GIs) are emerging as strategic policy instruments in the European Union after Regulation (EU) 2023/2411 extended protection to craft and industrial products. While the literature on agri-food GIs is extensive, empirical and comparative evidence on non-food GIs remains scarce and fragmented. This study addresses this gap by constructing a harmonised dataset, combining 132 registered and 380 potential non-food GIs identified by EUIPO (512 in total across the EU). Using secondary institutional data, descriptive and comparative statistics, and a hierarchical clustering (Ward, squared Euclidean distance) on normalised indicators total GIs, GIs per million inhabitants (GI/POP), and GIs per € billion of GDP (GI/GDP), the analysis identifies three country typologies differing by scale and intensity. Results reveal a strong geographical concentration in Southern Europe but also unexpectedly high intensity in smaller or mid-sized economies such as Portugal, Cyprus, and Slovenia. A forward-looking scenario analysis based on Cost of Non-Europe (CoNE) estimates suggests that the full implementation of the new Regulation could generate 284,000–338,000 new jobs and € 37–50 billion in additional intra-EU trade. The study contributes to EU policy debates by introducing comparative indicators (GI/POP, GI/GDP) as monitoring tools for evidence-based policymaking and by highlighting the role of non-food GIs as hybrid institutions connecting industrial competitiveness, cultural identity, and sustainability transitions. Full article

This study presents a comprehensive assessment of the energy systems in eight Eastern European countries—Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia—focusing on their energy transition, security of supply, decarbonisation, and energy efficiency. Using principal component analysis (PCA) and clustering techniques, we identify three different energy profiles: countries dependent on fossil fuels (e.g., Poland, Bulgaria), countries with a balanced mix of nuclear and fossil fuels (e.g., the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary), and countries focusing mainly on renewables (e.g., Slovenia, Croatia). The sectoral analysis shows that industry and transport are the main drivers of energy consumption and CO₂ emissions, and the challenges and policy priorities of decarbonisation are determined. Regression modelling shows that dependence on fossil fuels strongly influences the use of renewable energy and electricity consumption patterns, while national differences in per capita electricity consumption are influenced by socio-economic and political factors that go beyond the energy structure. The Decarbonisation Level Index (DLI) indicator shows that Bulgaria and the Czech Republic achieve a high degree of self-sufficiency in domestic energy, while Hungary and Slovakia are the most dependent on imports. A typology based on energy intensity and import dependency categorises Romania as resilient, several countries as balanced, and Hungary, Slovakia, and Croatia as vulnerable. The projected investments up to 2030 indicate an annual increase in clean energy production of around 123–138 TWh through the expansion of nuclear energy, the development of renewable energy, the phasing out of coal, and the improvement of energy efficiency, which could reduce CO₂ emissions across the region by around 119–143 million tons per year. The policy recommendations emphasise the accelerated phase-out of coal, supported by just transition measures, the use of nuclear energy as a stable backbone, the expansion of renewables and energy storage, and a focus on the electrification of transport and industry. The study emphasises the significant influence of European Union (EU) policies—such as the “Clean Energy for All Europeans” and “Fit for 55” packages—on the design of national strategies through regulatory frameworks, financing, and market mechanisms. This analysis provides important insights into the heterogeneity of Eastern European energy systems and supports the design of customised, coordinated policy measures to achieve a sustainable, secure, and climate-resilient energy transition in the region. Full article

The increasing urgency of global sustainability challenges has elevated the role of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as benchmarks for both academic research and policy development. Within the European Union, measuring how national research systems contribute to SDG-related knowledge is critical for guiding evidence-based policymaking and evaluating progress toward the 2030 Agenda. Since the adoption of the UN 2030 Agenda, research related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has expanded significantly, reflecting their central role in guiding both global and European science policy. Despite this growing attention, systematic comparative evidence on how EU27 countries contribute to SDG-related knowledge production remains limited. This study provides a bibliometric analysis of research related to the SDGs across EU27 countries between 2019 and 2023. Drawing on data from Elsevier’s Scopus and SciVal platforms, we examine publication volume, relative share (RS), citation impact (FWCI), growth dynamics (CAGR), and thematic distributions. The dataset includes all document types associated with SDG1–SDG16. Germany, Italy, and France lead in absolute publication output, while smaller member states such as Cyprus, Malta, and Luxembourg display disproportionately high RS values. Health-related research (SDG3) dominates, followed by SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), whereas socially oriented goals (SDG2 and SDG5) remain underrepresented. Hierarchical cluster analysis, validated through silhouette and agglomeration tests, identifies three groups of countries: (1) high-output, high-impact Northern and Western leaders; (2) diversified performers with balanced portfolios; and (3) emerging contributors from Eastern and Southern Europe. Explanatory analyses link bibliometric outcomes to contextual variables, showing strong correlations with Horizon Europe funding per capita and international collaboration, and moderate associations with GDP per capita and GERD. Institutional-level findings highlight the prominence of leading universities and research institutes, particularly in health sciences. The study introduces a robust cluster-based typology and a multidimensional framework that connects bibliometric performance with economic capacity, research investment, EU funding participation, and collaboration intensity. Policy recommendations are proposed to strengthen thematic balance, improve equitable participation in EU research programs, and foster international cooperation across the European Research Area. Full article

This study assesses decarbonization progress in the European Union manufacturing sector between 2015 and 2023, using harmonized Eurostat indicators. The dataset covers emission intensity, energy intensity, renewable energy use, and structural markers of value added. After standardization, variables are reduced through principal component analysis (PCA). The resulting scores are then clustered with k-means, with the number of clusters chosen using elbow and silhouette diagnostics and validated through hierarchical clustering, representing a methodological innovation over existing typological studies. The results highlight persistent heterogeneities across member states. A group of frontrunners combines low intensities with a high share of RES; efficiency-centric groups advance mainly through energy intensity reductions but lag in fuel-switching, while structurally constrained groups remain hindered by energy mix limitations and outdated capital stocks. Dynamically, moderate convergence is observed along the main transition dimension, but persistent divergence remains in structural composition. These patterns justify differentiated policy approaches: accelerating fuel substitution where efficiency gains have already been achieved and integrated packages of modernization and infrastructure in structurally constrained economies. The novelty of this study lies in providing a harmonized, EU-wide, and reproducible typology of industrial decarbonization trajectories, enabling systematic cross-country comparison. Policy relevance is reinforced by linking the typology to current EU instruments such as the Emissions Trading System (ETS), the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the Innovation Fund, and the Net-Zero Industry Act. The integration of PCA with clustering provides an evidence-based that is valuable for prioritizing European industrial policies in line with the Green Deal. Full article

Climate change and its adverse effects are now the greatest threats faced by society. As a consequence, it is essential to adopt strategic tools and adaptation measures, especially in the most vulnerable and susceptible areas, such as coastal zones. This study provides an assessment of strategic adaptation instruments in European Union (EU) coastal countries, identifying key gaps and areas for improvement to support more effective and coordinated climate adaptation. To address this, a selection of 19 EU coastal countries was carried out based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. National adaptation strategies and plans were reviewed using scientific, technical, and institutional sources. The analysis focused on the development and evolution of these instruments, particularly in response to major coastal impacts. Identified adaptation measures were classified by typology (structural–physical, social, and institutional) and comparatively assessed to detect implementation trends, regional approaches, and existing gaps across countries. The results of this study indicate that there has been a notable and progressive increase in the adoption of adaptation plans and strategies that address problems faced by coastal areas. Physical–structural adaptation measures are the most widely used, especially ecosystem-based and engineering measures, even in specific projects implemented at different territorial scales of governance. One of the main conclusions is that all coastal EU member states have adopted strategic planning frameworks for adaptation, with increasing emphasis on coastal areas. However, enhanced European solidarity and knowledge exchange are essential to ensure equitable and effective adaptation across all regions. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic had a disastrous effect on the growth in business tourism, emphasizing the role of information and communication technologies in the implementation of new meeting models. Consequently, new needs and concerns of the business tourist may have arisen, which should lead business tourism organizations to consider new attributes in their value proposition. Thus, this study aims to understand the determinants of business tourism spending and the number of business meetings, in the European Union, to aid the formulation of economic and marketing policies, in the post-pandemic period. For this purpose, a literature review is carried out for the periods before, during, and after the pandemic phase; additionally, a panel data analysis is performed using data from the 28 countries in the European Union. The results identify new typologies of determinants, describing first-order (global-scale) and second-order (European-scale) determinants and identifying important practical implications. Full article

The study addresses the issue of eco-innovation and innovation in the European Union countries, which is important from the perspective of the sustainable development paradigm. Innovation constitutes a significant factor related to socio-economic development, and it is crucial in constructing the competitive advantage of enterprises, regions, and countries. Nowadays, an increasing importance is attached to eco-innovations, which takes into account the ecological perspective ensuring the reduction of environmental burdens. The purpose of the conducted research was to assess the diversity among the European Union countries regarding the situation related to eco-innovation and innovation, which is focused on the typology of the EU Member States taking a holistic approach to innovation, i.e., considering not only economic but also environmental and social performance. The methods of multivariate statistical analysis, with a particular emphasis on classification methods, were used in the research. A holistic overview of innovation results from the combination of findings based on the research was carried out within the framework of the Eco-Innovation Observatory and the European Innovation Scoreboard. The study covered 28 European Union countries in the period 2013–2019. As a result of the conducted analyses, four classes of the EU Member States were identified (Leaders of Eco-Innovation and Innovation, Moderate Eco-Innovators and Catching-Up Leaders of Innovation, Poor Innovators, The Poorest Eco-Innovators and Innovators). Full article

The development of eco-innovation activities performed by enterprises remains one of the key challenges of sustainable development. In modern economies, the implementation of innovative technological solutions should also take into account performing eco-innovation activities by enterprises. The aim of the research was to assess the involvement level of small and medium-sized enterprises in eco-innovation activities, regarding the implementation of actions for the effective management of resources and the implementation of sustainable products, against the background of their involvement in innovation activities related to the implementation of product innovations and business processes, as well as the assessment of spatial-temporal diversity and trends for changes in this regard. The spatial scope of the research addresses 27 European Union countries, and the time scope of the research covers the years 2013–2020. The methods of multivariate statistical analysis, with particular emphasis on classification methods, were used in the research. The main finding of the research is the division of the European Union countries into three types of classes, including the countries assessed as: (1) poor eco-innovators and moderate innovators; (2) moderate eco-innovators and poor innovators; and (3) leaders of eco-innovation and innovation. The conducted research shows that SMEs in the European Union countries are much less involved in eco-innovation activities than in innovation ones; the level of involvement in eco-innovation can be divergent from that of involvement in innovation. Moreover, the involvement in eco-innovation does not show an upward trend. Full article

Recently, various Earth Observation Networks (EONs) have been designed, developed and launched by in-situ, on-site and off-site collected data from fixed and moving marine sensors and remote sensing (RS) satellite data. This information can significantly help a wide range of public and private end-users better understand the medium- and high-resolution numerical models for regional, national and global coverage. In this context, such EON core services’ operational numerical data can be seen of the growing demand result for marine sustainability development of developing countries and the European Union (EU). In this case, marine platforms can offer a wide range of benefits to users of human communities in the same environment using meticulous analyses. Furthermore, marine platforms can contribute to a deeper discourse on the ocean, given the required regulations, technical and legal considerations and users to a common typology using clear scientific terminology. In this regard, firstly, the following six steps have been used to develop a better understanding of the essential data structure that is commensurate with the efficiency of the marine end-user’s service: (1) steps and challenges of collecting data, (2) stakeholder engagement to identify, detect and assess the specific needs of end-users, (3) design, develop and launch the products offered to meet the specific needs of users, (4) achieve sustainable development in the continuous provision of these products to end-users, (5) identify future needs and challenges, and (6) online platform architecture style related to providing these products to end-users. Secondly, the innovation of the ODYSSEA (Operating a Network of Integrated Observatory Systems in the Mediterranean Sea) platform project has been evaluated and reviewed as a successful project on marine online platforms to better understand how marine online platforms are being used, designed, developed and launched. The ODYSSEA platform provides a system that bridges the gap between operational oceanographic capabilities and the need for information on marine conditions, including for the end-user community. The project aims to develop a fully integrated and cost-effective cross-platform, multi-platform network of observation and forecasting systems across the Mediterranean Sea. Full article