Assessing the Level of Energy Poverty Using a Synthetic Multidimensional Energy Poverty Index in EU Countries

The purpose of the article is to analyse the level of energy poverty in the EU member states for the period 2010–2020. The research was carried out on the basis of the author's Synthetic Multidimensional Energy Poverty Index created on the basis of the zero-unitarization method. The proposed index allowed for the integration of 4 out of 13 indicators provided for the study of energy poverty in the Recommendation of the European Commission 2020, and 1 selected by the authors. The assessment of changes in the level of energy poverty over time in 24 EU countries using the method used adds value compared to the assessment methods used so far in this area. Previous studies of energy poverty levels have focused on individual countries or small groups of countries. Rarely have such studies covered the majority of EU countries, and even more rarely have they been conducted over a long period of time. The study carried out showed significant differences in energy poverty levels among EU members. Results obtained not only reflect the progress of member countries in reducing energy poverty, but also allow for a discussion on future approaches regarding its reduction.

Managing Unemployment under COVID-19 Conditions (States of Emergency or Crisis).

Rising unemployment is one of the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in many countries. This, in turn, has forced policymakers to respond immediately with policy tools to minimize unemployment. The purpose of our study is to contribute to empirical knowledge by looking at activities of 40 local government units to counteract unemployment in the cross-border region on the Polish side. In doing this, our study contributes to the efforts to manage unemployment in times of COVID-19 and other crisis situations. The results show that most of the rural and rural-urban communes did not undertake diagnostic activities that would allow one to identify the economic sectors most affected by changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic, e.g., reduction in the number of employees, suspension, or liquidation of activities. According to LGUs surveyed, companies operating in rural-urban communes applied much more frequently for support for job protection in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic than companies located in rural communes. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the crucial role of LGUs in overcoming its impacts. The empirical results of this study (in-depth interviews) indicate that policy makers should pay more attention to consolidating or strengthening the role of LGUs in national disaster management and provide them with the competencies and resources necessary to deal with emergencies (in particular, they concern strengthening cooperation and coordination with other levels of government, effective communication and sharing of good practices also in cross-border areas). It would strengthen decision support systems (DSS) in the regions.