The right of the commune to associate in the light of applicable legal solutions

The purpose of this study is to analyze the constitutional legal regulation of the right of the commune to associate in the light of the applicable legal system. The starting point is to present the constitutional legal basis of the association. Next, accession to international associations by local government units was discussed. The next considerations concern international cooperation under European Union law. The last part of the work is an analysis of municipal associations in the light of the act on municipal self-government.

Polish and Ukrainian political and military cooperation plans in 1919–1921

Geopolitical changes in post-WW-I Europe resulted in the rebirth of Poland and a short functioning of Ukrainian state, even without the formal recognition of its independence. Poland intended to become a leader for the western-border states of the Russian Empire by promoting a federal vision of Piłsudski’s followers. From Autumn 1919, it tried that toward the Ukrainian People’s Republic ruled by Petlura. Formally, it happened in April 1920 with the signing of political agreement and military convention. The goal was to take joint political and military action in the war between Poland and Bolshevik Russia in 1919-1920. However, the Ukrainian society did not support it and undermined its efficiency. Moreover, the leaders of both sides perceived the alliance’s essence differently and were not entirely loyal to each other. The cooperation’s end was a truce in the war signed on October 12, 1920, and then the Peace of Riga of March 18, 1921. Against Piłsudski’s will, Poland agreed to end cooperation with Petlura and intern his soldiers. The only thing Piłsudski agreed to was the independent action of Petlura’s followers, which had to end with a catastrophe.

This article presents a theoretical connection of armed forces operations and a disaster risk reduction concept. The objective is to elaborate a model of armed forces participation in disaster risk reduction in relation to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030. The research method bases on a review of the literature and a cognitive design of the participation model. General role of armed forces, potential and societal expectations are factors that place them in a context of disaster risk reduction. Soldiers are said to participate in protection of the most important utilitarian values regardless of circumstances (military hazards and non-military hazards). Their operations might be ascribed into limiting of hazard power, reducing vulnerabilities, shortening exposure, improving resilience, and strengthening capacities to cope with a disaster. They can reduce the risk associated with military hazards and non-military hazards. The concept may be a reference in designing synergy in cooperation between military and non-military entities.