Balkans Legal, Economic and Social Studies (BLESS)

Analysing the Public Mood in Bačka through Various Sources (1941–1944)

Márk Csőke — 2025-07-07

In the following study, I examine the public mood in the Bačka region during World War II based on various sources. The analysis of social atmosphere is a challenging aspect of historical research; therefore, I attempt to illustrate it using different sources. For this purpose, I rely on materials of the Ministry of Interior, the reports of the local ethnic Hungarian associations and the different crimes committed in the Bačka. According to the sources, it was a dynamic period for the region, where ethnic conflicts and social tensions were common. The Budapest-centric authorities observed the events from a security perspective, but the reports of the cultural association and the analysis of the trials reveal a local-level perspective, showing the tensions existing in the region, from which the social mood also becomes apparent.

Framework of the European Union Social Security Coordination and Its Digitalisation

József Hajdú — 2025-07-08

Social Security Coordination (SSC) within the European Union (EU) is a framework that ensures individuals retain their social security rights as they move across member states, particularly in terms of pensions, healthcare, and unemployment benefits. The EU has made significant strides in integrating and simplifying the coordination of these systems, ensuring that people are not disadvantaged by cross-border mobility. This article examines the core principles of SSC and its ongoing evolution, particularly in light of increasing digitalisation through tools like the Electronic Exchange of Social Security Information (EESSI), Social Security E-Document (SED), and the European Digital Identity (EUDI). While the digital transformation of SSC is transforming the efficiency and transparency of cross-border exchanges. This paper highlights the importance of both technological advancements and institutional cooperation in achieving seamless and equitable social security coordination. It also underscores the role of digitalisation in improving the overall functioning of SSC.

Economic Blockade, Border Incidents, Military Manoeuvres Against Yugoslavia During the Soviet-Yugoslav Conflict (1948–1953)

Péter Vukman — 2025-07-09

This study examines the way the British Foreign Office saw Hungary's role in the Soviet-Yugoslav conflict through the reports and analyses of British diplomacy. Hungary actively participated in this evolving conflict and took a leading role in the anti-Yugoslav propaganda campaign and war mongering, which resulted to a sharp deterioration of bilateral relations. The British Foreign Office understandably followed every step of the escalation of the conflict with keen interest. The actions of the Soviet Union and its Eastern European satellites against Yugoslavia were accompanied by economic pressure; the Hungarian government's suspension of the delivery of Yugoslav reparations was a special Hungarian aspect of the conflict. To resolve the issue, the Yugoslav leadership sought help from Western powers, including Britain. In parallel with the economic pressure, ideological warfare was waged against Yugoslavia. Hungary played its part through border incidents, the development of the Hungarian army and the movement of Soviet troops inside the country. This was of course noticed by British diplomacy, but the border incidents were seen as a normal part of the “war of nerves” and the development of the Hungarian army as part of the general armament of the Soviet camp. The British leadership was also opposed to the American plan to take joint action to protest the fact that the Hungarian forces had exceeded the provisions of the 1947 Paris Peace Treaty.

The Intersection of Justice and European Union Integration

Anikó Szalai — 2025-07-10

This paper explores the connection of justice and European Union (EU) integration through the lens of war crimes adjudication in Kosovo. Following the Kosovo conflict of 1998-1999, the adjudication of war crimes has become an important aspect of the region’s efforts to align with EU accession criteria. The paper examines the adjudication of war crimes in Kosovo, conducted by international, hybrid, and local tribunals. It addresses the challenges faced and the reforms implemented to meet EU accession criteria. The study underscores that the importance of adjudication of war crimes in meeting EU accession criteria, promoting reconciliation, and fostering regional cooperation. It concludes that while important progress has been achieved, substantial challenges and tasks still like ahead.

The Role of Historic Identities in Shaping Post-Communist Constitutional Identity in Hungary, Serbia, and Montenegro

Matija Stojanović — 2025-07-10

In the last two decades, the question of dynamics behind the establishment of constitutional identities, especially ones concerning the relationship between constitutional identity and pre-constitutional and extra-constitutional identities raised significant scholarly attention. Following this interest, this article will examine the role pre-communist constitutional identities and traditions had in shaping the novel post-communist constitutional identity in three countries: Republic of Hungary, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro. We will first examine the manner in which these three countries established a discontinuity with their communist past. Afterwards, we will investigate to what extent, and in what manner, did these countries draw upon or reaffirm their pre-communist identity in the process of shaping their novel post-communist constitutional identity. In doing so, we will pay special attention to two constitutional factors – the definition of the constitutional subject and the relationship between the state and the church. After we compare the different approaches, we will conclude that the legitimacy of the new constitutional identity and in turn the overall stability of the constitutional project noticeably relies on the extent to which the constitution makers successfully reintegrated and reinterpreted different historic identities.

Hungarian Associations along the Tisa River from the Perspective of the Yugoslav Authorities (1929–1935)

Domonkos Ádám — 2025-07-22

The study will exemine the Yugoslav authorities’ attitude towards ethnic Hungarian assiciation life in the Vojvodina through three local case studies (Stara Kanjiža, Senta, Stari Bečej) in the period 1929–1935. It will be also discussed how the authorities judged the behaviour and political loyalty of the leaders of these associations. In addition, the activities of civil societies in the three territorial units will also be touched upon. Conclusions are based on an analysis of the above aspects and on a comparison of the local levels according to these aspects.