Modern agriculture requires substantial energy inputs, a significant portion of which are derived from fossil fuels. In the interests of addressing global challenges, such as sustainable resource management and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, this study examines changes in energy efficiency within Polish agriculture following the country’s accession to the European Union. It emphasizes the impact of dynamic structural transformations on energy consumption patterns in the agricultural sector. The research, based on data from Statistics Poland and FADN (Farm Accountancy Data Network) covering the period 2004–2021, analyzes various farm types and their economic sizes. Key indicators include energy intensity in agricultural production, expressed as the ratio of energy consumption to production value, and the share of different energy carriers in total energy inputs. The results demonstrate an overall improvement in energy efficiency during the analyzed period, with energy intensity decreasing by an average of 40%. The most significant improvements were observed in large-scale farms. Additionally, there was a notable decline in the use of solid fuels, offset by increased reliance on diesel fuel and electricity. Despite these positive trends, challenges persist. Energy costs per unit of production value in Poland remain relatively high compared to other EU countries, driven by rapidly rising energy prices and the structure of Polish agriculture, which predominantly produces goods with relatively low added value. Furthermore, variations in energy consumption structures across production types highlight the importance of specialization in enhancing energy efficiency at the farm level.

Optymalizacja pionu organizacji władzy w państwie jest kompleksowym krokiem w kierunku kształtowania pełno funkcjonalnych samorządów lokalnych i efektywnego systemu administracyjno-terytorialnej organizacji państwa. Decydując się na decentralizację, Ukraina wybrała model samorządu lokalnego całkowicie odmienny od tego z początku lat 90. XX stulecia. W prezentowanym artykule na podstawie przeprowadzonych badań dokonano analizy genezy naukowych podejść do zrozumienia procesu decentralizacji. Określono istotę, periodyzację i etapy decentralizacji władzy w Ukrainie, jej główne cechy oraz cel stosowania w odniesieniu do samorządu lokalnego. Ukazano kluczowe możliwości, jakie daje decentralizacja dla rozwoju samorządów lokalnych, a także problemy związane z wyborem takiej formy decentralizacji, która optymalnie uwzględniałaby potencjał zasobowy danego terytorium. Zidentyfikowano również główne wyzwania stojące przed samorządami lokalnymi i władzą centralną w procesie wdrażania reformy decentralizacyjnej gospodarki narodowej, zwłaszcza w stanie wojennym. Stwierdzono, że skuteczne wdrożenie reformy decentralizacyjnej jest możliwe tylko przy spójnej wspólnocie mieszkańców, silnych instytucjach i sprawnej administracji publicznej.

This article aimed to assess the use of renewable energy sources (RES) in households in Poland in the context of the Statistics Poland (GUS) research and our survey research. In addition, plans for using renewable energy sources and the willingness of respondents to spend money for this purpose were examined. At the beginning of this article, a theoretical approach to the household as an energy prosumer was presented, and the structure of obtaining energy from RES in Poland was shown. Then, the survey research methodology was presented, including the selection of the sample and the purpose of the survey. The next part of this article concerns the characteristics of the respondents and the buildings they inhabit, as well as statistics on RES used in the surveyed households. The research shows that 12% of the surveyed population was an energy prosumer, and 22% were interested in and planning to invest in RES. Only half of the respondents were ready to spend their money on micro-installations. The results were presented using the documentary and comparative methods. This article uses data from Statistics Poland (GUS) and our survey research conducted among 1112 representatives of households in Poland.

This article explores the institutional and socio-economic dimensions of social isolation among internally displaced persons (IDPs) in rural territorial communities (rural hromadas) of Ukraine during 2022–2023. Framed by historical institutionalism and the social capital/integration literature, the analysis draws on focus group discussions with IDPs in rural western Ukraine. It identifies key causes of isolation, including cultural differences, infrastructural challenges, and institutional dysfunctions such as communication gaps, lack of employment opportunities, and opaque access to documents and services within thin service networks. The article reveals how IDPs often face subtle forms of exclusion despite the absence of direct hostility, contributing to a decline in human and social capital in host communities. We argue for an integrated approach that includes closing the communication vacuum, strengthening community engagement through local initiatives, and launching joint educational programs for IDPs and residents. We also emphasise participatory mechanisms, digital inclusion initiatives, and low-cost community-building activities. These measures are crucial for preventing the long-term institutionalization of social isolation during recovery and reconstruction and for enabling the successful integration of IDPs into the social and economic life of rural Ukraine. In policy terms, linking and bridging ties - together with dependable institutional access - emerge as practical levers to reduce isolation and support rural recovery.

This paper presents a review of the monograph “Economics and sustainable management of energy resources in agriculture”, prepared by Dr hab. in Economics Anatolii Kucher, and PhD in Economics Oleksandr Synytsia. The monograph was published by the Academic Publishing House “Talent” (Bulgaria). The content and structure of the reviewed monograph, its main theoretical, methodological and applied results on assessing the efficiency of energy resources use in agriculture and sustainable management of these resources are highlighted. The research findings will be useful to scientists, policymakers and practitioners in the field of economics and sustainable management of energy resources, lecturers, postgraduates and students of higher education institutions, as well as other stakeholders who are interested in improving energy independence and increasing the efficiency of energy resources use.