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Towards Stronger Local Communities: Evidence from CEE Countries

Type
Closed Panel
Language
English
Discussants
Description

This panel seeks to address the pressing challenges and opportunities for local communities in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) by presenting empirical evidence and case studies that highlight effective development strategies. Kukovič’s paper examines population movement in rural communities in Slovenia and identifies significant emigration and argues for measures to retain youth and attract newcomers in order to strengthen these communities. Šteger’s contribution examines the measurement of rural development in Central and Eastern Europe, emphasising sustainable approaches to address economic inequalities and environmental problems. Koller’s paper focuses on rural identities and nationalism in Hungary and analyses how EU membership has influenced the preservation of cultural heritage while overcoming the challenges of modernisation. Maškarinec and Novotný’s contribution examines subnational electoral democracy and offers insights into the differences in the democratic quality of cities in Central and Eastern Europe and the factors that influence local governance. In addition, the panel emphasises the importance of children's participation in municipal development, which is presented by Hoffman et al. from Hungary and Poland. Finally, a paper by Jüptner et al. on the integration of Ukrainian refugees in the Czech Republic and Poland examines the role of local government in managing refugee crises and facilitating the long-term community integration. By bringing together these diverse perspectives, the panel aims to foster a comprehensive dialogue on building stronger, more resilient local communities in the CEE region and provide valuable insights for policy makers, researchers and community leaders alike.

Onsite Presentation Language
Same as proposal language
Panel ID
PL-7993