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The paper deals with the impact of institutional quality, as well as its interdependence with economic performance, on environmental degradation during the period from 2002 to 2021 for a panel of 27 transition countries. The main aim of the study is to investigate the interaction role of institutional quality on the association between economic growth, urbanization and CO2 emissions in selected countries. Based on the system Generalized Method of Moments estimation results,we find that overall institutional quality, as well as bolstering regulatory structures, strengthening of the rule of law, improving the control of corruption and enhancing government efficiency is positively associated with carbon emissions. The institutional advancement is conducive to economic expansion, which contributes to the deterioration of environmental quality. Our empirical findings reveal that the advancement in institutional framework together with economic expansion and urbanization augment environmental degradation. Given results have important policy implications, indicating that the institutional setting may cause trade-offs between promoting economic growth and the environmental protection.

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This study examines the various aspects of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and the European Union’s mechanisms of support designed to mitigate the catastrophic human, material, and other impacts of the conflict. The EU’s assistance is demonstrated not only in the reception and accommodation of a substantial number of refugees but also in the provision of humanitarian, financial, and technical aid to Ukraine and its neighboring countries. The author highlights that the EU’s crisis management efforts have helped stabilize the situation in Ukraine, not merely through monetary support but also through other aid instruments. From the perspective of neofunctionalism, the EU has developed tools to address collective challenges that exceed the capacities of individual member states. one such tool is the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, which the EU extensively relies upon for delivering humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. Nevertheless, as the author points out, a significant share of European aid, essential for the well-being of the population and the operation of public services, faces substantial obstacles in reaching Ukraine due to serious security, logistical, and other constraints. In this regard, employing deductive-inductive reasoning and analytical methods, the author aims to demonstrate that the EU Civil Protection Mechanism has played a critical role in facilitating humanitarian aid delivery. The efficiency of instruments like the Civil Protection Mechanism, as argued by the author, underscores the preparedness and capability of European institutions to respond in emergency situations and emphasizes the significance of coordinated action among member states.

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This paper analyzes the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on the concept of neutrality in Europe through the cases of Sweden, Finland, Austria, and Serbia to of identify the factors that shape state decisions on maintaining or abandoning neutrality. The research relies on the theoretical frameworks of neoclassical realism, social constructivism, and liberalism to explain the differences in the security and defense policies of the analyzed states. The central hypothesis posits that these decisions are not driven solely by immediate security threats but arise from a complex interaction of historical, political, economic, and social factors. The methodological framework is based on a comparative approach and content analysis of political documents, public statements, and academic sources, providing a deeper understanding of the institutional and discursive elements influencing states’ strategic choices. The findings indicate that Sweden and Finland’s decisions to abandon military neutrality and join NATO, as well as Austria and Serbia’s decisions to retain their neutral statuses while adapting to contemporary geopolitical circumstances, are shaped by a complex interplay of historical experiences, political priorities, economic dependencies, and dominant discourse. The study concludes that neutrality in contemporary international relations is a flexible and dynamic concept whose sustainability depends not only on external threats but also on institutional frameworks, strategic interests, and states’ political identities.

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This paper examines Qatar’s strategic international role, emphasising its use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as both an economic driver and a geopolitical tool. It aims to analyse Qatar’s energy strategies, particularly focusing on the role of LNG in enhancing the nation’s geopolitical influence and ensuring its national security. The research question guiding this study is: Can Qatar effectively adapt to emerging trends, shifts, and transformations within the global energy market—particularly the energy transition—while safeguarding and consolidating its geopolitical position? The author employs the concept of the “rentier state” as a foundational framework for analysing economies heavily reliant on resource exports. The study’s theoretical approach integrates insights from energy security, geopolitical strategy, and economic diversification. Methodologically, it utilises qualitative analysis of Qatar’s energy policies, drawing on recent academic literature, statistical data, and policy reports. The conclusions of the paper point to the importance of economic diversification for Qatar’s long-term strategic relevance.