Economic Archive

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  A LIQUIDITY ASSESSMENT OF THE BULGARIAN BANKING SYSTEM (2009–2013)

  Liquidity is of great significance for the stability of credit institutions and the banking system as a whole. In normal circumstances, the capital adequacy of banks is determined as a key factor for stability. But, during economic crisis, the susceptibility of credit institutions to a shortage of available cash resources in order to cover ... Liquidity is of great significance for the stability of credit institutions and the banking system as a whole. In normal circumstances, the capital adequacy of banks is determined as a key factor for stability. But, during economic crisis, the susceptibility of credit institutions to a shortage of available cash resources in order to cover depositors’ withdrawals is intensified. This directs our attention toward effective liquidity management. Financial cataclysms on a global scale caused by the crisis in the USA during 2007, and the speedy “infection” of the economies of the developed countries showed that gaps in the management of financial institutions can lead to considerable losses on a world-wide scale. The aim of this study is to assess the liquidity situation of the Bulgarian banking system based on generally accessible (public) information by applying ratio analysis tools. Through the use of key indicators of liquidity assessment, the trends in its development for 2007-2013 are presented. A general assessment of the liquidity situation for banks in Bulgaria is outlined.

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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.

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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.