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The impact of economic crises on youth unemployment in rural areas of the European Union
Aim: The objective of this study was to research the vulnerability of youth unemployment in rural areas of the European Union to the global financial crisis of 2007 and COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: The Eurostat data were used to show the differences in unemployment rates of young people in rural areas before and after the financial crisis of 2007 and the COVID-19 pandemic. The results were compared with the data for older people as well as young people living elsewhere using Eurostat database age groups. Results: The results demonstrate that young people in rural areas are more severely affected by the crises compared to other analysed groups. However, the pace of recovery from high unemployment in this group is higher compared to urban areas. The authors also found that in EU countries where unemployment rates increased significantly after the 2007 financial crisis, young people in rural areas continue to face high unemployment rates above the EU average. Implications and recommendations: In order to design rural development programmes to support job creation it is of crucial importance to monitor levels of the rural youth labour market. Moreover, active labour policies, such as training and education, should be undertaken with the objective of increasing flexibility of young people in the rural labour market. Originality/value: The novelty of this research lies in its empirical demonstration that youth unemployment in rural areas is particularly vulnerable. Therefore, it warrants special attention in policy-making.
The role of short food supply chains in Kosovo’s agriculture
Short food supply chains (SFSCs) and local markets, where farmers sell directly to consumers, are expanding across the EU, offering alternatives to conventional food chains that limit small farmers’ bargaining power and consumer traceability. In the EU, 15% of farms sell over half of their production directly. For Kosovo’s agricultural sector, SFSCs present new opportunities. This study examines SFSCs in Kosovo using data from 2,500 respondents. The findings show that 54% rely on oral contracts, 20% on written agreements, and distributors use multiple sourcing channels. SFSCs can enhance sustainability, trust, equality and growth in agriculture, business, and rural policy.
Protected products in the European Union - selected economic aspects
The aim of the paper is to present the situation of the protected products market in the European Union in terms of their supply. To protect the names of specific products, their unique characteristics, and the traditional manufacture, a quality scheme with the following designations: Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), Geographical Indication (GI) and Traditional Specialty Guaranteed (TSG) was introduced in the European Union. EU databases such as eAmbrosia, GIview and European Commissions reports were used in this study. Recently available data and, to show changes, data for 2013-2023 were used. Conducting research proved the role of protected agri-food products is growing, both in terms of value and quantity. This may indicate that food producers are becoming more active in submitting products to the protected product system, which is also beneficial to consumers. However, there are large disparities among EU countries in terms of producers activity in registering products. Most of the agri-food products on the register of protected products come from southern Europe countries. The structure of registered agri-food products is dominated by vegetables and fruits, cheeses, and meat and meat products.
Spatial Differentiation in the Use of Rural Development Programme Funds for the Environment in Poland for the Periods 2007–2013 and 2014–2020
The purpose of this paper is to assess the changes in agricultural producers’ use of funds allocated for environmental measures under the 2007–2013 RDP (Rural Development Program) and 2014–2020 RDP in Poland. The extent to which environmental CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) funds are used was examined on a geographic basis, so as to take account of socioeconomic and environmental characteristics of districts. Correlation analysis and a cartographic method were used. The study found growing differences in how the funds are used between territorial units. The analysis of correlation provided grounds for concluding that a relationship exists between the share of environmental funds used in total RDP payments and environmental conditions, mostly including the share of permanent pasture in the structure of agricultural land (0.515 in 2014–2020). Conversely, no relationship was discovered between the level of wealth and the local agrarian structure (0.249 and 0.327 in 2014–2020). The analysis of differences between territorial units revealed that in some geographic areas that had the potential for being granted environmental funds, the farmers decided not to apply for them. Based on the above, it was concluded that the potential beneficiaries’ activity in that respect is largely impacted not only by their environmental awareness and attitude but also by historical events.