Objective: This article aims to present the convergence analysis results for the Eastern Partnership EaP countries and the twenty-eight members of the European Union (EU). Research Design & Methods: The relationships between the selected macroeconomic variables and per capita GDP growth rate are econometrically tested to support this research. We analyse the convergence during the period of 2004-2017, but also include two sub-periods: 2004-2008 and 2009-2013. Findings: The empirical findings support the economic convergence hypothesis. The results show that the recent financial crisis negatively affected the absolute and conditional convergence process, when economic variables are included in the analysis. The negative effects of the crisis on conditional convergence with economic and socio-political variables are not identified. Implications & Recommendations: Poorer countries in the analysed group should do more to open their economies to attract investment, as gross fixed capital formation and economic openness have a positive impact on per capita growth, while general government debt, unemployment and inflation should be stabilised in the examined sample of countries. Contribution & Value Added: The contribution of this article is reflected in the fact that it examines a geographic and economic area that has been under examined. The analyses on the Eastern Partnership countries convergence process towards the European Union are almost nonexistent. Economic literature on convergence has focused on the EU Member States, while the analyses on the Eastern Partnership countries convergence process towards the EU are almost nonexistent. Article type: research article

In recent years, many researchers have addressed the issue of interior climate and how it affects human health. Investigations performed at schools and office buildings have found that CO2 concentrations often exceed the limit value of 1500 ppm given in Decree No. 20/2012 Coll., on technical requirements for buildings. In addition, interior space often exhibits very low relative humidity. This results in poor conditions that are detrimental to human health and not conducive to studying and work. One means of improving the interior microclimate is implementing green walls. These walls can help generate a much better climate and greatly enhance the mental well-being of the inhabitants. In addition, they greatly improve dust levels and acoustics in the room. The research compared the interior conditions in two classrooms at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Brno University of Technology. One had a green wall installed while the other was in its original configuration. CO2 concentration, temperature, and relative humidity were measured. A survey was conducted to assess the influence of the green wall on students and teachers (mental well-being, efficiency, productivity, creativity, etc.). Results obtained thus far show that the room with the green wall provides far better interior conditions, mainly in terms of lower CO2 concentration and higher relative humidity, improving students’ and teachers’ mood and health (as confirmed by the survey as well).