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National Lithuanian Library Week: European values and their implementation in the modern world

National Lithuanian Library Week: European values and their implementation in the modern world

April 23, 2024

European values, including democracy, human rights, freedom, equality, the rule of law, sustainability, and cultural diversity, are central to the identity and cohesion of the European Union. However, these values face challenges in the modern world.

Democracy, characterized by free and fair elections where power belongs to the people, is fundamental to Europe's stability and prosperity. Similarly, the EU is committed to upholding human rights, such as the right to life, freedom of expression, and equality before the law.

Promoting cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue is also integral to European values, fostering understanding and peace among citizens. Yet, globalization, migration, and technological advancements pose threats to these values.

Populism, authoritarianism, cyber-attacks, and corruption undermine democracy and human rights. Despite efforts to combat these issues, they persist in some EU Member States.

Therefore, the EU and its members must defend and uphold these values, ensuring security, stability, and prosperity both within the Union and globally.

We are pleased to inform you that there is a wide selection of literature on these topics available at the VILNIUS TECH library. We offer the following for your consideration:


	Fücks, R. (2023). Apginti laisvę: kaip mes laimėsime kovą už atvirą visuomenę. Naujasis Židinys-Aidai. "Defending Freedom: How We Will Win the Fight for an Open Society" is a book that examines the challenges facing free and open societies in the modern world. The author explores what steps can be taken to preserve and defend democratic values such as freedom of speech, human rights, and equality, in the context of contemporary political, economic, and social challenges. The book offers analysis and recommendations to contribute to the strengthening and support of an open society.
	Wolf, M. H. (2023). The crisis of democratic capitalism. Penguin Press. "The Crisis of Democratic Capitalism" is a book that delves into the challenges and shortcomings of the democratic capitalist system. The author examines various aspects of contemporary capitalism, including income inequality, political polarization, and environmental degradation, and argues that these issues pose a threat to the stability and legitimacy of democratic societies. The book offers insights into potential solutions and reforms to address these crises and ensure the continued viability of democratic capitalism. It provides a critical analysis of the current state of affairs and proposes pathways toward a more sustainable and equitable economic system. The book contributes to ongoing debates about the future of capitalism and democracy in the 21st century.
	HBR's 10 must reads on managing across cultures. (2016). Harvard Business Review Press. "HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing Across Cultures" is a collection of articles curated by Harvard Business Review Press, aimed at helping managers navigate the challenges of working in diverse cultural environments. Published in 2016, the book offers insights and strategies for understanding and effectively managing cultural differences in the workplace. It covers topics such as cross-cultural communication, leadership styles across cultures, building multicultural teams, and adapting management practices to different cultural contexts. This compilation provides valuable perspectives and practical advice for leaders and managers operating in globalized business environments.
	Key controversies in European integration (2nd ed.). (2016). Palgrave. "Key Controversies in European Integration" is a book that explores the major debates and contentious issues surrounding the process of European integration. The book provides an overview of the key controversies that have shaped the European Union and its member states. It covers a range of topics, including the enlargement of the EU, the role of supranational institutions like the European Commission and the European Parliament, the impact of the euro currency, immigration and free movement of people, as well as challenges related to sovereignty and democratic deficit. The book offers insights from various perspectives and scholarly analyses, making it a valuable resource for students, researchers, and policymakers interested in understanding the complexities of European integration.
	Routledge handbook of European welfare systems (Second edition.). (2020). Routledge. "The Routledge Handbook of European Welfare Systems" is a comprehensive reference book that provides an in-depth analysis of welfare systems across Europe. This handbook offers a thorough examination of the various models, policies, and challenges within European welfare states. It covers topics such as the historical development of welfare systems in different European countries, the role of government and social actors in welfare provision, the impact of globalization and demographic changes on welfare policies, and current debates and reforms in the field of social policy. With contributions from leading scholars in the field, the handbook serves as a valuable resource for academics, policymakers, and practitioners interested in understanding and comparing welfare systems across Europe.
	Savin A.(2020). EU Internet law (Third edition.). Edward Elgar Publishing. "EU Internet law" – this extensively revised and updated third edition of EU Internet Law offers a state of the art overview of the key areas of EU Internet regulation, as well as a critical evaluation of EU policy-making and governance in the field. It provides an in-depth analysis of the ways in which relevant legal instruments interact, as well as comparative discussions contrasting EU and US solutions.
	Lietuvos narystė Europos Sąjungoje: patirtys, tendencijos, refleksijos. (2021). Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. "Lietuvos narystė Europos Sąjungoje: patirtys, tendencijos, refleksijos" is a book, that features scholarly works from researchers at Vilnius University's Institute of International Relations and Political Science (VU TSPMI) European Studies Center, along with colleagues from other institutions. The book offers reflections on European Union membership, examining its impact on Lithuania's national concerns and assessing the EU's stability and effectiveness. Intended for colleagues, students, decision-makers, and the general public, it contributes to discussions about the future of the European Union, drawing on over a decade and a half of Lithuania's membership experience.
	Stepka, M. (2022). Identifying Security Logics in the EU Policy Discourse: The "Migration Crisis" and the EU (1st ed. 2022.). Springer Nature "Identifying Security Logics in the EU Policy Discourse: The 'Migration Crisis' and the EU" examines the security logics present in the European Union's policy discourse, focusing on the "migration crisis." This book explores how the EU frames and addresses migration issues from a security perspective. It sheds light on the complexities of EU policymaking regarding migration and contributes to the understanding of security dynamics within the EU.
	Braun, S., Zubert, C., Argyropoulos, D., & Casado Hebrard, F. J. (2020). Nutritional and health aspects of food in Western Europe. Academic Press. "Nutritional and Health Aspects of Food in Western Europe" – this comprehensive volume explores the nutritional and health aspects of food consumption in Western Europe. Written by experts in the field, the book covers various topics related to diet, nutrition, and health, with a focus on the dietary patterns and habits prevalent in Western European countries. It provides insights into the relationship between diet and health outcomes, as well as the cultural, social, and economic factors influencing food choices and dietary behaviors in the region. This book serves as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and professionals interested in understanding and promoting healthy eating habits in Western Europe.
	Snyder, T. (2011). Kruvinos žemės: Europa tarp Hitlerio ir Stalino. Tyto alba. "Kruvinos žemės: Europa tarp Hitlerio ir Stalino" -In this book, Snyder examines and analyzes the tragic events that occurred in Europe between the two World Wars and during World War II. He explores how the influences of Nazism and Stalinism shaped the contemporary political landscape of Europe, as well as the mass killings, genocide, and other crimes against humanity that characterized this period. The book is an important contribution to the historiography and understanding of Stalinist and Nazi totalitarianism, and it is significant for comprehending contemporary political and social processes in Europe. Furthermore, the book serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions, upholding the rule of law, and protecting human rights. By studying the past, the European Union can learn valuable lessons about the dangers of authoritarianism, nationalism, and intolerance, and strive to build a more inclusive, just, and peaceful future for all its citizens.

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