This research focuses on data subject rights – a set of data protection provisions that directly linked to the concept of individual control. In 2018, the European Parliament adopted the... Show moreThis research focuses on data subject rights – a set of data protection provisions that directly linked to the concept of individual control. In 2018, the European Parliament adopted the Regulation on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data (GDPR). The new law also introduced some substantial improvements in the section on data subject rights. However, in the light of the fast-changing economic and technological environment, it is possible to notice a gap between data subject rights when understood as law in the books and when applied in practice. By using the analysis of legal sources and academic literature, this thesis explored whether the data subject rights under the GDPR are effective in the data-driven economy, and if not, what are possible solutions to overcome the shortcomings. Show less
Is public procurement of research and development (‘R&D’) services the key to European Union (‘EU’)’s sustainable welfare? Is it being regulated in accordance with economic prescripts for... Show moreIs public procurement of research and development (‘R&D’) services the key to European Union (‘EU’)’s sustainable welfare? Is it being regulated in accordance with economic prescripts for effectiveness? Is the regulatory and policy setting clear and comprehensive in order to stimulate a widespread use of this instrument by EU public authorities? In 2007, the EU released an Interpretative Communication, explaining how to purchase R&D services in compliance with the EU public procurement and State aid rules. The prescribed procedure was named ‘pre-commercial procurement’ (‘PCP’). The motivation advanced for adopting this Communication was the need to clarify the applicable law, in order to encourage public authorities throughout the EU to engage in R&D services procurement. The EU policy makers aimed to help the public sector become a sophisticated customer, capable of steering the development of cutting-edge technologies towards the resolution of public needs. This would yield solutions to serious problems such as climate change, pressure on the health system due to an ageing population, security threats etc. In addition, it would strengthen the competitive advantages of European private innovators on global markets. Eventually this would strengthen EU’s economy and would increase the welfare of its citizens Show less
Since the 1990s, the number of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) has grown rapidly worldwide. NHRIs are widely believed to be able to contribute to the realisation of human rights, by... Show moreSince the 1990s, the number of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) has grown rapidly worldwide. NHRIs are widely believed to be able to contribute to the realisation of human rights, by embedding international norms in domestic structures. Promoting Human Rights: National Human Rights Commissions in Indonesia and Malaysia addresses this issue by a comparative analysis of two NHRIs in Southeast Asia. It traces the development of both organisations since their inception, as well as their performance and effectiveness in three case studies regarding the freedom of religion, the right to a fair trial and the right to adequate housing. It reveals that the manner in which NHRIs address human rights issues differs between categories of rights, and that the promotion of international human rights standards is often hampered by the contestation of these norms, both within and outside of the organisation. At the same time, this study highlights some of the contributions the NHRIs have made to the realisation of human rights in challenging circumstances. The author therefore argues that NHRIs play a crucial role in making human rights an integral part of both the state and society. Show less
