EU Business School is a private business school with campuses in Geneva and Montreux (Switzerland), Barcelona (Spain), and Munich (Germany). It is a part of OMNES Education since 2022.
What happens to citizenship governance when states must decide whom they will protect during a crisis? This article highlights the highly variegated and context-specific nature of citizenship governance in times of crisis. It shows that in determining the entitlement to protection, mere differentiation between citizens and non-citizens does not fully apply. Rather, legal status is combined with individuals' personal circumstances and the states' international commitments. To illustrate this, we use empirical data on evacuation policies and travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic across 204 countries and territories worldwide. Our findings show how different configurations of citizenship governance emerge in times of crisis, making visible membership asymmetries that ordinarily remain implicit.
This article explores how asset confiscation and redistribution mechanisms can enhance the operational efficiency and accountability of Ukraine's patrol police, with the Odesa region serving as a case study. Drawing on comparative insights from the United States, Germany, France, Italy and Canada, the research employs a mixed-methods approach combining legal, empirical, and statistical analysis (2019-2023). The findings indicate that, although patrol police performance and transparency have improved, the lack of a structured framework linking recovered criminal assets to local policing initiatives constrains long-term sustainability. Adapting international best practices, the study proposes legislative and institutional reforms to ensure that confiscated assets are transparently reinvested in patrol operations, officer training, and community safety programmes. The results contribute to ongoing discussions on aligning Ukraine's asset recovery mechanisms with EU standards and strengthening public trust through accountable resource management.
Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is an uncommon yet deadly cancer linked to asbestos exposure. The lack of effective early diagnosis and treatment leads to reduced life expectancy among patients with PM. This study aims to identify a novel molecular target inhibitor to develop more effective therapeutics for PM. Our drug screening assay showed that the fatty acid synthase (FASN) inhibitor cerulenin demonstrates strong and selective antiproliferative properties against NF2/CDKN2A(p16)-deficient PM cells, surpassing the effects of C75, cisplatin or pemetrexed. FASN protein is frequently detected in NF2/p16-deficient PM tumor-derived tissues (15/15, 100%), but rarely in NF2/p16-intact PM tumors (8/25, 32%). Notably, cerulenin administration successfully reduced the growth of NF2/p16-deficient PM tumors in xenografted mice. Cerulenin inhibits mitochondrial fission by targeting dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) in NF2/p16-deficient cells. Moreover, the disruption of the FASN gene leads to increased ubiquitination of DRP1. These findings suggest that FASN might play a role in the tumorigenesis of PM cells through the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics. This research offers a novel perspective on the potential development of precision medicine for PM.
Purpose: This study investigated digital accounting tools. The objectives are to assess their impact on crisis management and economic sustainability, and to determine the competitiveness of enterprises in the European Union and neighbouring countries during 2020–2025. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study applies analytical and economic methods, comparative analysis, generalisation, systematisation, synthesis, classification, and correlation analysis. The empirical basis consists of statistical data on the level of accounting digitalisation, the Fragile States Index, the Global Competitiveness Index, and the Government Effectiveness Index, as well as data on the implementation of automated accounting systems across EU member states and neighbouring countries. Research Limitation: The study is limited by the availability and comparability of cross-country statistical data, which may restrict deeper sectoral and firm-level analysis. Findings: The results demonstrate that the digitalisation of accounting has a positive and statistically significant impact on economic stability and competitiveness. The adoption of automated accounting platforms, integration of ERP and BI systems, and application of artificial intelligence tools contribute to timely financial reporting, more accurate cash flow forecasting, and improved risk management. These processes enhance transparency of financial operations, reduce managerial errors, and strengthen the crisis resilience of enterprises. A strong relationship is observed between the level of accounting digitalisation and macroeconomic indicators, with countries with more advanced digital accounting systems tending to have lower Fragile States Index values, higher Global Competitiveness Index scores, and better government effectiveness. Practical Implication: The findings provide guidance for enterprises and policymakers on prioritising investments in digital accounting technologies to improve crisis management and financial sustainability. Social Implication: Enhanced digital accounting practices contribute to greater transparency, accountability, and trust in financial and managerial processes. Originality/Value: The scientific novelty of the study lies in determining the relationship between the level of digitalisation of accounting, the use of artificial intelligence technologies, and indicators of economic sustainability and competitiveness of EU countries and neighbouring states in 2020–2025.
Blockchain's smart contracts—self-executing, code-driven agreements—challenge traditional contract law by introducing immutability and coding vulnerabilities. This chapter examines whether such errors constitute breaches of contract, analyzing their classification and consequences under common and civil law frameworks. It explores the intersection of blockchain, AI, and contract law, assessing how principles like good faith, consideration, and anticipatory breach apply to automated agreements. The chapter evaluates the EU AI Act and Directive 2019/770, identifying gaps in addressing oracle failures, defective performance, and liability—especially in hybrid AI-blockchain environments. Through case studies, it argues for legal adaptation to align smart contracts with contractual intent, ensuring accountability and trust in automated systems.
