Economic Archive

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  THE IMPACT OF CULTURAL HETEROGENEITY ON THE EUROPEAN INTEGRATION PROCESS

  After sixty years of integration, the idea of a united Europe has been put to the test. The purpose of this article is to put to discussion the degree of integration achievable between the member states. European Union integration which has been achieved so far is evaluated in the light of the three schools for regional integration: neoliberal ... After sixty years of integration, the idea of a united Europe has been put to the test. The purpose of this article is to put to discussion the degree of integration achievable between the member states. European Union integration which has been achieved so far is evaluated in the light of the three schools for regional integration: neoliberal models, the dirigiste school and structuralism. A new division of integration forms is proposed: technical and substantial integration. Technical integration is exogenous in nature and refers to the objects of integration, while substantial integration is endogenous and refers to the subjects of integration. The article focuses on cultural differences in the EU as a factor underlying substantial integration.

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  NEW GENERATION SYSTEMS FOR ELECTRONIC BUSINESS AND ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS

  The concept of new generation electronic business (e-Busi¬ness 2.0, Social Business) refers to companies which integrate social technologies and instruments in all business processes, i.e. internal as well as external ( clients, suppliers, business partners), and in this way overcome many of the traditional organisational barriers which slow down ... The concept of new generation electronic business (e-Busi¬ness 2.0, Social Business) refers to companies which integrate social technologies and instruments in all business processes, i.e. internal as well as external ( clients, suppliers, business partners), and in this way overcome many of the traditional organisational barriers which slow down the exchange of information and collaboration. The first part of the article studies the basic characteristics of the new generation of electronic business systems which were formed under the influ-ence of Web 2.0, social media, mobile technologies and cloud calculations. The article also tries to outline the changes in the three main spheres of elec-tronic business: the use of Web 2.0 technologies for managing internal corporate communication, the design and development of new products and knowledge management (the Internet environment), corporate communication and interaction with external partners and clients (Extranet environment, B2M model) and electronic trade (online stores, B2C model). The second part of the article analyses the possibilities and advantages provided by modern technologies for developing electronic payments, i.e. the use of debit and credit cards, contactless payments, mobile banking and bitcoins.

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  BANKING CONSUMER CREDIT – A COMPONENT OF THE “RETAIL BANKING” BUSINESS SEGMENT

  The topic of bank financing of consumption is widely discussed in the studies of a number of researchers in the field of banking. The loans by which banking companies meet the personal needs of individuals and households have long been an integral part of people's lives and have had a significant role in the economies of most countries around the ... The topic of bank financing of consumption is widely discussed in the studies of a number of researchers in the field of banking. The loans by which banking companies meet the personal needs of individuals and households have long been an integral part of people's lives and have had a significant role in the economies of most countries around the world. This paper aims to clarify the essential characteristics and specificities of banking consumer credit in Bulgaria. To implement the goal set by the author, the texts of the legal framework on consumer lending in the country are considered, and also the positions of Bulgarian and foreign authors on the definition of the term “consumer credit” and practically applied manifesta-tions of individual types of loans for current purposes, offered by commercial banks in Bulgaria.