One of the objectives of the 1257/99 EU regulation was that rural populations should be able to gain an extra income. This regulation may not be any longer in force, but soon a new one will replace it. The plantations...One of the objectives of the 1257/99 EU regulation was that rural populations should be able to gain an extra income. This regulation may not be any longer in force, but soon a new one will replace it. The plantations that are created by Greek farmers more specifically the plantations of poplar trees-have a ten-year rotation at least. This means that the time between the establishment of the plantation and the harvest is high. As a consequence, during this time, the market environment （e.g. prices） may face substantial changes. Frequently, these changes are so immense that producers are driven in economic distress. This situation is also linked to the domestic timber supply and imports, and as a result to the product prices. Concerning the market prices of poplar trees, one additional factor that has probably deteriorated the situation is the E.U. expansion. This paper examines a case study in North Greece. Vital conclusions are made which may be useful for the Greek and E.U. decision makers regarding the process of dealing with current issues such as the 1257/99 regulation replacement （1698/2005）.展开更多
In 2012 and 2013, the Swiss population voted on two separate yet related issues concerning spatial planning. In 2012 a restriction on second homes was introduced into the Constitution, in 2013 referendum the planning ...In 2012 and 2013, the Swiss population voted on two separate yet related issues concerning spatial planning. In 2012 a restriction on second homes was introduced into the Constitution, in 2013 referendum the planning law was revised. Both issues wanted to restrict disproportionate building activities, and were accepted after a heated debate. This outcome mirrors a change in popular attitude towards constructions in the countryside and so-called ＂cold beds＂ （second homes used for a short time only）, but also towards the disfiguration of the （rural） landscape in general. At the same time it revealed two social rifts： between urban populations （that are increasingly migrating towards rural landscapes） and rural regions that want to obtain a similar level of living as the urban majority, and between lowland and mountain regions. The results of the referenda show that the population is very much concerned about the future of our landscape and environment. The paper discusses the two referenda and their implications for Switzerland in general and for regions that are considered marginal. Its focus lies on the political aspects of the two issues, which not only concern marginality but also are a challenge for national cohesion and direct democracy.展开更多
文摘One of the objectives of the 1257/99 EU regulation was that rural populations should be able to gain an extra income. This regulation may not be any longer in force, but soon a new one will replace it. The plantations that are created by Greek farmers more specifically the plantations of poplar trees-have a ten-year rotation at least. This means that the time between the establishment of the plantation and the harvest is high. As a consequence, during this time, the market environment （e.g. prices） may face substantial changes. Frequently, these changes are so immense that producers are driven in economic distress. This situation is also linked to the domestic timber supply and imports, and as a result to the product prices. Concerning the market prices of poplar trees, one additional factor that has probably deteriorated the situation is the E.U. expansion. This paper examines a case study in North Greece. Vital conclusions are made which may be useful for the Greek and E.U. decision makers regarding the process of dealing with current issues such as the 1257/99 regulation replacement （1698/2005）.
文摘In 2012 and 2013, the Swiss population voted on two separate yet related issues concerning spatial planning. In 2012 a restriction on second homes was introduced into the Constitution, in 2013 referendum the planning law was revised. Both issues wanted to restrict disproportionate building activities, and were accepted after a heated debate. This outcome mirrors a change in popular attitude towards constructions in the countryside and so-called ＂cold beds＂ （second homes used for a short time only）, but also towards the disfiguration of the （rural） landscape in general. At the same time it revealed two social rifts： between urban populations （that are increasingly migrating towards rural landscapes） and rural regions that want to obtain a similar level of living as the urban majority, and between lowland and mountain regions. The results of the referenda show that the population is very much concerned about the future of our landscape and environment. The paper discusses the two referenda and their implications for Switzerland in general and for regions that are considered marginal. Its focus lies on the political aspects of the two issues, which not only concern marginality but also are a challenge for national cohesion and direct democracy.
