EIRP Proceedings

Legal certainty between tradition and algorithm – A comparative analysis

2025-04-09T17:24:30+00:00

This article analyzes in depth the concept of legal certainty in the context of the confrontation between classical legal theory and modern algorithmic governance systems based on artificial intelligence. Starting from the premise that legal certainty is essential for the rule of law, the paper highlights the epistemological and normative tensions between traditional models – based on clear rules, interpretive reasoning and human responsibility – and the new forms of decision-making generated by opaque, predictive and distributed algorithms. The essential differences in terms of the origin of the norm, transparency, legitimacy, accountability and democratic control are analyzed, and a comparative framework on ten epistemological dimensions is proposed. The paper proposes a series of legislative, institutional, professional and technical reforms aimed at protecting the fundamental values of law in the digital age. At the same time, urgent research directions are identified, such as the development of algorithmic explanation standards, the reconfiguration of legal education and the rethinking of the epistemology of law in the context of automation. The article argues that only through a critical and responsible integration of artificial intelligence can legal certainty be maintained as the foundation of human dignity and institutional legitimacy.

The Implementation of European Directives in Criminal Procedure: Legal Framework, Challenges and Perspectives

2025-05-30T06:37:26+00:00

The implementation of European Union directives in the field of criminal procedure represents a crucial process for harmonizing national legislation and strengthening a European area of justice. This article analyzes the legal foundations of transposing directives into domestic law, the manner of their integration into Romanian criminal procedural legislation, the practical obstacles encountered, as well as the effects on international judicial cooperation and the protection of fundamental rights. This process aims to ensure minimum procedural safeguards for individuals involved in criminal proceedings, particularly for suspects and defendants, in the spirit of protecting fundamental rights.

Generational Perspectives on Work-Life Balance in Romania: A Cross-Sectional Study

2025-06-17T06:47:02+00:00

The paper analyzes generational differences regarding work–life balance in Romania, based on a quantitative study targeting four generations active in the labor market: Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z. The research explores eight critical dimensions – ranging from financial and social benefits to perceptions of the healthcare system, working hours, and social rights – with the aim of understanding the priorities, expectations, and satisfaction levels of each generation in relation to current working conditions. The findings highlight clear trends: younger generations prioritize flexibility and personal well-being, while older generations value stability and economic security. The study also reveals that Romania faces a significant gap compared to European standards in terms of work–life balance, a fact supported by international studies. The paper proposes avenues for intervention through public policies, organizational initiatives, and educational strategies designed to harmonize the diverse needs of active generations and contribute to a more balanced and sustainable organizational culture.

The Romanian Historical Treasury under the Padlock of Moscow: Legal Perspectives on Repatriation

2025-05-29T12:42:31+00:00

This article aims to update the legal perspectives concerning the repatriation request of Romania’s historical treasury. The gold reserves were transported to Tsarist Russia for safekeeping during the First World War. Following the Bolshevik Revolution and the establishment of the communist regime, Soviet authorities refused to recognize the agreements signed in 1916–1917 and declined to return the treasury. The main objective of this paper is to present the legal grounds for the full recovery of the treasury, based on European Parliament resolutions, the principles of public international law, customary international law norms, and bilateral obligations. The methodology involves interpreting relevant legal regulations, international conventions, and European Parliament resolutions. The conclusion is that recent official acts adopted by the European Parliament reinforce the legitimacy of Romania’s claim for the recovery of its historical treasury. In the absence of a diplomatic agreement or treaty, and given that the Russian Federation does not recognize the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, legal mechanisms such as initiating international arbitration proceedings or mediation through the reactivation of the special commission are proposed.

Violation of the Principle of Equality of the Parties in Proceedings Where the State is the Debtor

2025-05-29T12:50:28+00:00

A civil or administrative litigation case does not end with the pronouncement of a final and/or irrevocable court decision. The enforcement phase represents the second stage of a civil trial, and the universally recognised principles for examining and resolving a dispute in court are also fully applicable to the enforcement stage. In the practice of national courts, it has been observed that the provisions of the Law on Public Finance and Budgetary-Fiscal Responsibility No. 181/2014 (as of the year 2016) contained unconstitutional regulations through which the enforcement of final court decisions was avoided, contrary to the provisions of Articles 20 and 120 of the Constitution. Although this issue was considered resolved through Constitutional Court Decision No. 32 of 17.11.2016, regrettably, the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova reinstated the same situation by adopting Bill No. 212/2017. Today, at the enforcement stage, court decisions obligating public law legal entities to pay monetary sums cannot be enforced simply because an appeal was declared, according to Article 68 para. (2¹) of the Law on Public Finance and Budgetary-Fiscal Responsibility No. 181/2014. If the principle of equality of parties in a trial implies that the legislator may provide for different treatment in specific situations for some litigants, this does not mean that the principle of equality of arms in a trial should be violated by adopting an unconstitutional norm. In other words, if a public law legal entity has the constitutional right to request from the appellate court the suspension of the enforcement of a final decision without posting a bond, then the same entity should not be allowed to unilaterally benefit from an automatic suspension of the enforcement of an appealed decision (in the case of the unquestionable removal of funds from the accounts of the national public budget's components) solely because of pressure on the public budget—especially when, under similar conditions, a private law legal entity does not benefit from such procedural advantages.

The Option Agreement, Between the Offer and the Unilateral Promise to Contract

2025-06-03T12:46:45+00:00

The article analyzes the legal nature of the option agreement, placing it between two related institutions: the offer and the unilateral promise to contract. The paper examines the characteristics of each of these institutions and emphasizes the distinctive elements of the option agreement, with the aim of outlining its legal autonomy and its practical function in pre-contractual relations. The offer is presented as a unilateral manifestation of will, which, in dissonance with the legal provisions and the opinion of specialized doctrine, we have considered revocable, which is why the legislator and specialized doctrine have ruled on the possibility of establishing its irrevocability by agreement, taking the form of the option agreement. On the other hand, the unilateral promise to contract has been presented as an agreement of will that implies a firm commitment on the part of one party to conclude the contract in the future, which, unlike the option pact, which when the option is exercised, the contract projected by the irrevocable offer is considered concluded, in the case of the unilateral promise to contract, a new commitment on the part of the parties is necessary for the contract projected by the promise to be considered concluded. An option agreement is defined as a voluntary agreement whereby one party (the promisor) undertakes to maintain the offer for a certain period of time, giving the other party (the offeree) the right to accept within that period. The option pact combines elements of the offer to contract (through the existence of a contract proposal) with those of the unilateral promise (representing agreements of will, agreements of will are unilateral in character and through the firm commitment of the promisor not to revoke the offer). The purpose of this article is to analyze systematically the legal nature of the option pact, to delimit it conceptually from the close institutions and to highlight its practical and theoretical implications in the private law of the Republic of Moldova

Some Aspects of Studying Bulgarian as a Native Language in Educational Institutions of the Danube Region

2025-06-23T11:07:41+00:00

The protection of the rights of migrant workers and their family members constitutes a key area of International Human Rights Law. This protection goes beyond merely setting limitations on what States must refrain from doing in breach of international standards. A comprehensive analysis of this field requires consideration of both positive and negative obligations through the lens of international human rights instruments. International law provides a broad array of instruments—both binding and recommendatory—in the fields of human rights protection and, more specifically, the protection of migrant workers. These human rights instruments form the cornerstone of the legal framework dedicated to migrants’ rights, underscoring the critical interplay between States’ negative and positive obligations. This dual perspective is essential to addressing complex vulnerabilities and ensuring the comprehensive well-being of migrants throughout all phases of the migration process.

Optimizing Learning through Effective Study Techniques. Strategies for Academic Success and Personal Development

2025-06-10T11:24:08+00:00

Effective learning is essential for academic performance and ongoing personal development. Efficient study techniques are crucial for enhancing learning capacity, facilitating a deep understanding of the material, and ensuring long-term retention of information. This article examines the most effective research-based learning strategies that can be applied both in formal education and self-directed study. By using these techniques, students can improve their academic performance and develop sustainable learning habits that support long-term success in both their careers and personal lives.

Satisfaction Questionnaire-Based Study for High School Students from Rural Environments

2025-05-01T15:17:12+00:00

We were interested in learning about the types of physical activities students do as part of their daily lives. The questions asked about the amount of time they spent being physically active in the past 7 days. Students were asked to answer each question even if they did not consider themselves to be active. They were asked to think about activities they did at school, as part of housework and yard work, to get from one place to another, and in their free time, for recreation, exercise, or sports. Students thought about the vigorous activities they did in the past 7 days. Vigorous physical activities refer to activities that involve intense physical effort and make them breathe much harder than normal. They thought about those physical activities that they did for at least 10 minutes at a time in the past 7 days.

How Psychosocial Reintegration Activities Influence the Behavior of Inmates

2025-07-05T15:27:04+00:00

The psychosocial reintegration of incarcerated individuals is an essential process for reducing recidivism and facilitating their adaptation to post-detention life. This study analyzes the impact of reintegration activities on inmate behavior, highlighting the benefits of educational, psychological, and social interventions. Activities such as psychological counseling, vocational training, personal development programs, and recreational activities contribute to reducing aggressive behaviors, increasing empathy, improving interpersonal relationships, and developing essential skills for social reintegration. Furthermore, the research underscores the factors influencing the success of these interventions, such as inmates' personal motivation, institutional and family support, program adaptation to individual needs, and conditions within the penitentiary environment. The study's findings emphasize the necessity of implementing structured and sustained programs to support the development of responsible behavior and facilitate the social integration of individuals released from detention.

Single Parent Family Current Events and Challenges

2025-06-12T09:29:20+00:00

This topic is a topical one due to the continuously increasing number of single-parent families in Romania in recent years. Given that our country is going through a period of transition, the family is subject to processes that negatively influence the relationships between its members. Research has shown that the percentage of single-parent families in total families is very high. The choice of this theme had as its starting point the history and life experience of many young people whose personalities reflect a series of traits and attitudes that are not exactly conducive to good adaptation to the standards of everyday life.

Aspects and Functions Concerning the Family and Family Life

2025-06-12T09:02:10+00:00

The family is the setting in which the child learns to interact and communicate, therefore being the main one responsible for our formation as individuals. In other words, the child's future depends largely on how the parents fulfilled their role: that of educate and socialize with the child. The family group brings together women and men, parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren, united by strong ties of marriage, blood, kinship, as well as by specific forms of organizing the relationships between them. As a dynamic structure of social life, the family is determined by the general laws of development of society, being subject to rapid changes parallel to social life.

The Child and the Formation of Self Identity

2025-06-12T09:45:20+00:00

The child builds himself through continuous searches and differentiations from others, which are not devoid of tensions, conflicts and frustrations. Physical changes, and especially psychological ones, in childhood do not occur linearly, but with oscillations, with periods of inequality, dependent on educational, social, and environmental factors. Following these changes, the personality presents itself for the first time with all its components as an organized and unitary ensemble, but still insufficiently stabilized. The concept of self-identity refers to the definition of one's own person, the sense of who one is and the questions: Who am I? What are my moral and religious values? What are my goals and aspirations?

The Importance of Accreditation Process on the Quality of the Albanian Higher Education Institutions

2025-06-04T07:27:06+00:00

Accreditation, as an external evaluation, is an important element of quality assurance for Higher Education Institutions, both in developed and developing countries. Higher Education Institutions in the Republic of Albania have undergone major transformations as a result of the implementation of the Albanian law ‘On higher education and scientific research in Higher Education Institutions’. The accreditation process of Albanian public and non-public Higher Education Institutions is a fundamental step in achieving quality assurance and conformance regarding national and European Union standards and is carried out by the Albanian Quality Assurance Agency in Higher Education. The focus of this research paper is to show the progress of the institutional and study programs’ accreditation of Albanian public and non-public higher education institutions and its role in continuous quality improvement. Data and figures from national government bodies and agencies, as well as interviews directed at the Heads of HEI_s, Faculties and Departments of public and non-public higher education institutions have been used to analyze and develop critical thinking regarding this important and sensitive issue.

Specific Technologies Shaping Education Today

2025-06-12T06:09:54+00:00

The digital transformation of education is being fueled by a set of emerging technologies that are redefining how we teach, learn, and manage educational processes. The paper explores the impact of key technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), blockchain, big data analytics, and online learning platforms (MOOCs) on contemporary education. Understanding these shifts is critical in preparing future-ready educational systems. Each of these innovations contributes to personalization of learning, automation of administrative tasks, interactive simulation of complex content, and secure skills certification. The study builds on existing research regarding digital transformation in education, with reference to adaptive learning systems and immersive learning environments. It expends on recent literature by integrating labor market dynamics and institutional readiness. A qualitative synthesis method was applied, combining case-based evidence from current educational platforms (e.g., Coursera, Duolingo, Dream Box) and institutional reports. Comparative analysis highlights how these technologies align with global education trends. Findings show AI improves personalization and automation, VR/AR enhances engagement through immersion, big data enables predictive analytics, and MOOCs foster lifelong learning. These tools support more inclusive, scalable, and skill-driven education. Results are relevant to educators, researchers and university administrators seeking to redesign curricula, policy frameworks and teacher training strategies in line with digital innovation. The paper offers a comprehensive, practice-oriented overview of specific technologies currently transforming education, providing original insight into their synergistic impact on pedagogy and employability.

Gender Equality in Albania Based on Evidences

2025-06-03T12:02:13+00:00

The main objective of this study is related to examining the reality of gender equality in Albania according to the optics of relevant statistical data. Despite the consolidated legal and strategic framework in terms of gender equality, evidence shows that efforts are still needed to achieve the strategic objectives set in terms of actualizing the gender equality. This study used a qualitative research method, which consists of analyzing INSTAT statistical data in relation to the actions and initiatives foreseen in the National Strategy for Gender Equality Based on 2021-2030. According to INSTAT data in the field of the employment, regarding the level of the average gross monthly salary, the gender gap in 2022 was 6.2%, with an increase of 1.7% compared to 2021. In 2022, the average monthly salary for men was 63,773 lekë, while for women it was 59,813 lekë. In terms of decision-making power in 2022 women occupied 36% of the seats in parliament compared to men who occupied 64% of the seats. Finally, it is worth highlighting the gender inequality index which in 2022 was 0.06 with a decrease of 0.03 compared to 2021.

Do Demographic Factors Correlate To Voter Behavior? A Statistical Analyses

2025-06-10T09:25:00+00:00

The objective of this study is to analyse the relationship between individual voter factors with their voting behavior in Albania. The analysis data are retrieved from a national-level survey. The significance of this study lies in the context of mapping electoral behavior at a specific point in time and its contribution to the research of this type in Albania, as it is still a field that has not been systematically studied. Statistical method is applied in the relationship’s examination. Results of the analyses indicate an inconclusive outcome between individual characteristics and voter behavior, as the statistical analyses infer a very weak correlation in some cases, and in the remaining cases, there is no association observed. The weak foundation on demographic factors implies the possible contribution to the voting behaviors of other types of variables. The outcomes might be valuable not only for the political science researchers but also useful for practical applications by political actors involved in election processes.

The Private Pension System in Romania

2025-05-30T06:44:42+00:00

The aging of the European population has become a growing concern for the governments of the EU member states, especially when it comes to pensions, as the number of citizens receiving pensions is growing faster than the active population. This situation involves major pressure on public finances and pension funds. This paper aims to highlight the situation of pension funds in our country, in a European context, the measures that have been taken and what can be done to make private pension systems even more attractive. The paper is based on recent studies conducted by specialized institutions on internationally pension systems and in our country. This research aims to highlight the common elements, but also the differences between the ways of approaching this problem in different countries, compared to what is happening domestically. It is also insisted that several directions of action are required to ensure the sustainability of the pension system in Romania, by increasing the birth rate, encouraging savings, granting facilities to contributors etc.

Assisting Generative AI Processes Based on Automatic Reasoning

2025-04-22T12:50:27+00:00

Generative AI processes can be significantly improved by incorporating automatic reasoning techniques, such as the MiniMax algorithm, commonly employed in decision-making contexts like game theory. Functional programming prioritizes immutability and first-class functions, while logic programming centers around declarative problem-solving through the use of rules and facts. Also, AJAX requests are essential for facilitating asynchronous data exchange between the client and server, enabling real-time updates and smooth interactions in AI-driven applications.

Reading in the Digital Age

2025-06-04T07:32:11+00:00

The objective of the article is to provide the fact that reading remains just as important even in the age of digitalization.. As we can see, the line between learning time and screen time has become very blurred, reaching more than seven hours of connection per day on average. The article is built on concepts such as: education, reading, technology, society, digital. The article highlights in a unique way that reading provides a space for experiencing a broader, more intense present, for connecting with the world and others. Our article represents a public declaration of the benefits of reading for pleasure. The history of reading allows us to understand the modalities that result from them and the civilizational, anthropological and political aspects that now affect our societies. Humanity has invented nothing better than reading to structure thought, organize brain development, and civilize our relationship with the world; reading literally builds the child in its triple intellectual, emotional, and social components. The purpose of my article is to show how reading influence children’s mental health, the education, the role of parents. The main methods used in the study are observation and case study. The results of the study highlight the fact that reading must be valued, that pleasure is the key to motivation, that books are now facing fierce competition from ubiquitous recreational screens. The article is important and valuable for teachers, parents, children, but also for scientists, researchers in social sciences and more, because it provides a clear picture of the changes that are taking place globally and a possible perspective on the future.

Digital Media and History Education from Students’ Perspective: The Case of Albania

2025-05-29T11:52:20+00:00

The paper aims to analyze the extent to and the ways in which digital media is incorporated in the teaching and learning of history in a tech-driven technology world. It starts with a critical qualitative review of literature concerning the advantages and pitfalls of utilizing digital media in history education. Furthermore, it uses survey research to gather students’ perspectives on the integration of digital media in history classes in three Albanian universities. The scholarly findings reveal: first, educators utilize digital media only when it is deemed necessary; second, the number of students who use artificial intelligence for historical research is growing; third, students are predominantly historical content consumers rather than creators on the internet, and fourth, the development of digital skills among history students is imperative for critically, ethically and responsibly navigating the online environment. The study provides a dataset on the use of digital media in history education in three Albanian universities, which not only fills the gap in the existing research, but also sheds light on the challenges and the impact of utilizing digital media in history teaching and learning. The study’s results are significant for scholars and educational policymakers and practitioners in the field.

An Empirical Study of Student Perspectives on AI Integration in Higher Education

2025-06-03T12:16:41+00:00

Nowadays, Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a significant role in transforming all fields, including education. Although there are numerous studies on the integration of Artificial Intelligence in education, most of them focus on the perceptions of teachers or decision-makers in the education sector, as it is clear that this digital revolution brought by AI has led to a rethinking of the entire educational process, with little focus on how students perceive the integration of AI in education. This article aims to evaluate the perceptions of students from bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs regarding the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the educational process. By analyzing these perceptions, this study seeks to better understand students' attitudes towards the role of AI in shaping the future of higher education and to assess its potential impact on the learning process and academic practices. Methodologically, the research is based, on the one hand, on document analysis, considering studies that explore the intersection between AI and education, focusing especially on the adoption of AI tools for personalized learning, academic support, and administrative efficiency, and the other hand, on quantitative research based on a questionnaire addressed to students from the aforementioned educational cycles. Thus, the general objective of the research is to assess the impact that students believe AI has on higher education and to outline how they think university education will unfold in the future, as well as to identify concerns related to its integration. The results of this study are important for decision-makers and university teachers, providing insights into the level of preparedness and concerns students have regarding AI in higher education. These findings can guide the ethical and effective integration of AI tools in academic environments.

Education in the Digital Age – The Benefits and Challenges of Technology in the Learning Process

2025-06-02T11:23:37+00:00

Technology has profoundly transformed education, offering new opportunities for personalized learning, expanded accessibility, and interactive methods that enhance the educational process. Among the major benefits of digitalization of education are the flexibility of learning through online platforms, the use of artificial intelligence to adapt educational content to the needs of each student, and the integration of virtual and augmented reality for a more immersive learning experience.

However, the use of technology in education also poses significant challenges. Excessive dependence on the digital environment can affect students' concentration and social interactions, making a balanced approach essential that combines technological innovation with traditional teaching methods, thus ensuring a quality education for all students.

Artificial Intelligence Observatory for Monitoring Financial Technologies (FinTech) in Iran

2025-05-29T11:40:47+00:00

Objectives: Significant models leading to artificial intelligence (AI) are considered a milestone. Today, AI has become a widespread technology and an essential part of modern life. On the other hand, observatories have always played a crucial role in policymaking and planning processes. Prior Work: The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), one of the most influential international economic decision-making organizations, has established a specialized AI observatory to monitor and formulate policies in response to the major developments occurring in the field of AI. Approach: This article, using a qualitative research strategy, a library-based approach, and an analytical and systematic review method, proposes the creation of an AI observatory to monitor financial technologies (FinTech) in Iran by 2025. Implications: The results indicate that AI can be applied in areas such as digital payments (e-commerce, mobile payments, and digital remittances), digital capital raising (crowdfunding, peer-to-peer lending, and consumer market lending), digital investment (Robo-advisors and Neo-brokers), Neobanking, and digital assets (cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens, and decentralized finance). Value: The upward trend of published documents worldwide and in Iran regarding the application of AI in the economy and financial services, particularly FinTech, highlights the significant importance of this field both globally and in Iran.

Application of a Principal Component Analysis within the Economic Circularity Indicators Framework

2025-05-08T14:12:23+00:00

In this article, it has been tested the correlation relationships between the normalized values of main circular economy indicators for EU27 countries, for the period 2010-2023. Thus, it has been applied a principal component analysis, (PCA), in EViews 9 to check the eigenvalues, also eigenvectors loadings of the correlation matrix. The goal of this methodology was to identify the degree of correlation between the chosen variables and to reduce the dimension of variation between the variables by eliminating the factors. It has been found that in terms of dimensionality reduction, factors 1, 2, and 3 have eigenvalues greater than 1. More exactly factor 1 has a value of 3.854 and factor 2 has a value of 1.629, and factor 3 has a value of 1.162. Thus, the factors retained are three. Concerning, eigenvalues figures, we have found that the proportion for factor 1 is 38.55%, for factor 2 is 16.29%, and for factor 3 is 11.62% of the total variance. The first three components namely account for 66.46% of the total variation.

Analysis of Economic Performance and Sustainability on a Farm in the North-East Region of Romania

2025-06-02T11:44:58+00:00

The paper provides a detailed analysis of the financial and economic performance of I.C. Agrotehnica S.R.L. farm, focusing on the period 2021-2023, examining the farm's ability to generate profits and remain competitive in a dynamic economic environment, emphasizing the dimension of economic sustainability. The study uses a set of key indicators, such as gross and net profit margins, return on assets, return on equity and return on invested capital, to assess the farm's economic efficiency and resilience. The results show a significant increase in key performance indicators, reflecting efficient management of financial resources and an increased ability to adapt to market challenges. Thus strategic investments, implementation of modern technologies and optimization of operational processes were decisive factors in strengthening the economic position of the farm. The paper emphasizes the importance of constant monitoring of economic performance and the need to adopt sustainable strategies to support long-term development, while the conclusions of the analysis provide valuable insights for improving competitiveness in the regional agricultural sector and represent a useful resource for strategic decision-making in agriculture.

Implementing the Sharing Economy in The Context of Achieving Sustainable Economic Development. The Case of Azerbaijan

2025-06-04T07:01:09+00:00

This article will scrutinize tonight the rise of the sharing economy in Azerbaijan as an innovative solution to accelerating sustainable economic development. It will assess whether sharing-oriented paradigms in strategic sectors like mobility have enabled a more efficient use of resources, cost effectiveness, and sustainable environmental practices. Study contributes to the global literature on collaborative consumption and platform economies, and fills the gap in local research that has not been conducted in terms of readiness and reactions. We used a mixed-methods approach that draws on both qualitative content analysis and quantitative data analysis. Sectoral case studies and stakeholder interviews were combined to pinpoint economic and environmental impacts, in addition to the analysis of digital infrastructure and policy readiness. Results show that sharing economy platforms in have a good potential to efficiency of resources. However, lack of digital infrastructure, regulatory uncertainty, and little popular awareness pose significant obstacles to full-scale adoption. The research is intended to benefit policy makers, scholars and technology investors by providing insights on how to develop inclusive. This paper provides new insights about an emerging economic structure in a transforming market, both for theory-building and concrete policy-making.

Environmental Quality And Citizens' Economic Well-Being - Correlations, Public Policies And Sustainability

2025-06-10T11:57:46+00:00

Objectives: This paper explores the relationship between environmental quality and perceived economic well-being in the Republic of Moldova, in light of increasing ecological pressures and concerns about sustainability. Prior Work: The study builds on established frameworks such as the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) and ecological economics, and continues the authors' earlier research on prosperity perceptions (Economic well-being and citizens' perceptions of prosperity: a comparative analysis in the context of Moldova's EU integration). The research is conducted within the project "Strengthening socio-economic and legal mechanisms to ensure the well-being and security of the citizens" (CONSEJ 01.05.02). These perspectives help clarify the interdependence between environmental integrity and socio-economic resilience. Approach: The paper draws on quantitative analysis of a 2024 sociological survey (n = 609), focusing on citizens' perceptions of environmental quality, access to green spaces, and civic engagement. Results: Although citizens acknowledge the importance of environmental quality, satisfaction remains low-particularly regarding air quality and green infrastructure. Civic participation is limited. Implications: Findings support the need for inclusive, community-based environmental policies. Value: The study offers original insights into how environmental factors shape subjective well-being, informing sustainable development strategies.

Energy Performance of Buildings Through Economic Efficiency

2025-05-29T12:04:48+00:00

Ensuring the energy performance of buildings is essential for social resilience and sustainable communities. Achieving the required performance is possible by implementing different energy efficiency measures. The basic principle for identifying and prioritizing potential energy efficiency measures and renewable energy sources is "ensuring maximum utility at minimum cost". This means ensuring thermal comfort in rooms, providing the required level of artificial lighting and meeting the required level of sound insulation through recommended energy efficiency measures.

The aim of the research is to develop and provide a practical methodological tool to support pre-investment decisions on energy efficiency projects for buildings. The research focuses on the national normative-methodological framework in correlation with the international one. Various research methods are applied such as analysis and synthesis, comparative analysis, mathematical and statistical calculation methods. Conclusions are verified through case studies. The outcome of the research allows building owners and managers to identify energy efficiency measures according to their financial resources, to prioritize them and to substantiate the decisions they receive.

Integrating Sustainable Tourism into EU Strategies for Economic Security through a Comparative Regulatory Analysis

2025-06-10T11:32:39+00:00

Objectives: This paper examines how sustainable tourism is integrated into economic security strategies in four advanced EU economies—Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Sweden—highlighting its growing role in promoting resilience and regional development. Prior Work: While EU strategies such as the European Green Deal and Transition Pathway for Tourism emphasize sustainability, limited comparative research explores how national policies align with these goals in well-developed member states. Approach: A qualitative comparative analysis was conducted using case studies of national tourism strategies and recovery frameworks, focusing on policy integration, stakeholder collaboration, and alignment with EU directives. Results: All four countries embed sustainability into tourism policy, linking it to economic recovery, climate goals, and community development. Germany and Sweden emphasize local engagement and SME support; France and the Netherlands prioritize green investment and regional balance. Despite shared EU goals, implementation varies across contexts. Implications: The findings inform academic discourse on sustainable economic development and support policy harmonization across the EU by showcasing diverse models of tourism governance and innovation. Value: This study contributes original insights into how sustainable tourism functions as a tool for economic security in high-performing EU economies, offering replicable policy practices and governance models.

Strengthening Albania’s SMEs: Integration into International Value Chains

2025-06-04T08:06:31+00:00

This study explores the integration of Albanian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) into international value chains (IVCs) and their importance for economic development. SMEs make up over 99 per cent of businesses in Albania, so improving their global integration is essential for boosting productivity, exports, and innovation, especially in the context of Albania’s European integration goals. The research draws on literature related to SME development, global value chains, and economic transformation in transition economies. It contributes to ongoing debates about addressing structural barriers and competitiveness gaps in SMEs. A descriptive analytical method is used to examine the benefits, challenges, and policy implications of SME participation in IVCs based on secondary data, reports, and comparative studies. The findings show that while integration into IVCs can bring technology transfer, market access, and improved competitiveness, Albanian SMEs face serious challenges. The study highlights the need for targeted policies, stronger institutions, and capacity-building to help SMEs compete globally. This paper provides a context-specific analysis of SME barriers and opportunities in Albania, offering new insights into regional economic integration and policy design.

An Empirical Investigation into the Influence of Financial Attitude, Financial Knowledge, and Financial Behaviour on Individuals' Financial Satisfaction

2025-06-04T05:57:07+00:00

Objectives: This study aims to explore the key determinants of individuals’ financial satisfaction within the Albanian context. It focuses on analysing the roles of financial knowledge, financial attitude, and financial behaviour in shaping financial satisfaction. Prior Work: Grounded in behavioural finance theory, the study builds upon existing literature examining how financial literacy and behaviour influence financial well-being. However, limited research has addressed these factors collectively within the Albanian or broader transitional economy context. Approach: The research adopts an integrated framework using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to assess the complex relationships among latent variables. The study utilises a multi-indicator measurement model where financial knowledge, financial attitude, and financial behaviour are conceptualised as exogenous predictors of financial satisfaction. Results: Empirical findings reveal that financial attitude and financial behaviour significantly and positively impact financial satisfaction, while financial knowledge does not show a statistically significant direct effect. Implications: The results provide actionable insights for policymakers, educational institutions, and financial stakeholders in Albania. They underscore the need for policies and programmes that not only enhance financial knowledge but also promote positive financial attitudes and responsible behaviour. Value: This paper contributes original insights into financial satisfaction in a post-communist transition country, offering practical recommendations for improving financial well-being in emerging economies.

The Impact of the Alternative Energy Sector on Sustainable Development: International Experience and Its Application Opportunities in Azerbaijan

2025-06-16T07:49:18+00:00

The global shift towards renewable energy sources has become a critical element in achieving sustainable development goals. This study explores the role of the alternative energy sector in promoting sustainable development by examining international best practices and assessing their applicability in the context of Azerbaijan. Drawing on the experiences of countries such as Germany, Denmark, and China, which have successfully integrated renewable energy into their economic and environmental strategies, the research identifies key policy instruments, investment models, and technological innovations that drive sectoral growth. The analysis highlights the current state of alternative energy in Azerbaijan, evaluates existing challenges, and proposes practical recommendations for adopting global practices to enhance energy security, reduce environmental impact, and foster economic diversification. The study aims to provide a strategic framework for policymakers, investors, and industry stakeholders to harness the full potential of alternative energy in Azerbaijan’s sustainable development pathway.

Transformational and Transactional Leadership: Their Impact on Sustainable Practices and Green Innovation in Organizations

2025-05-29T12:46:25+00:00

Various global actors increasingly focus on sustainability and protecting the environment and natural resources. Company leaders play an essential role in this process, whose vision is directly related to the external environment and internal factors, and the future must inevitably be on the path of sustainability. Objectives and Approach: This study aims to perform a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to assess the influence of transformational and transactional leadership on adopting sustainable and green practices in enterprises. A Scopus-based search for the keywords "Transactional Leadership" AND "Transformational Leadership" AND "sustainable" OR "green" yielded 35 articles addressing this topic, which will be thoroughly reviewed to assess the impact of different leadership styles on sustainable practices. Results: This study examines the effects of transformational leadership, which is primarily concerned with inspiring and motivating individuals and groups to make long-term positive changes, and transactional leadership, which is closely related to implementing sustainability through rewards and clear accountability structures.Implications: This study intends to contribute to a better understanding of the impact of these two leadership styles by developing a framework for describing how leadership can shape and benefit sustainable practices and green innovation in modern enterprises.

Modeling Growth – Challenges and Opportunities: “The Growth Plan for Albania”

2025-06-12T06:02:19+00:00

The Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, presented by the European Union, aims to accelerate the region's integration into the European Single Market through structural reforms and alignment with EU policies. As a candidate country for EU membership, Albania faces significant challenges in reforming the education and scientific research systems, which are essential components of its long-term model for economic growth and development. This study focuses on the impact of Chapter 25 “Science and Research” and Chapter 26 “Education and Culture”, on Albania's European Integration process and how these chapters align with the objectives of the Growth Plan. Chapter 25 emphasizes increasing investments in research and innovation, improving scientific infrastructure and strengthening collaboration between universities and the private sector. On the other hand, Chapter 26 addresses the harmonization of the Albanian education system with the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and ensuring mutual recognition of qualifications. The paper analyzes the concrete measures undertaken by the Albanian government in the fields of education and scientific research, along with the progress and continuity of the reforms outlined in the Growth Plan. Although, Albania has made strides toward aligning with European standards, it continues to face persistent challenges, including underfunding of research and innovation, weak academia-industry linkages and the lack of sustainable frameworks for human capital development. The Growth Plan represents a strategic opportunity to accelerate reform implementation and enhance Albania's competitiveness within the EU context. This study seeks to identify the key actions Albania is undertaking to fully leverage the Growth Plan, ensuring a sustainable transformation of its higher education and research systems as critical drivers of economic development and European integration.

Foreign trade and green energy aspects of economic relations EU with Azerbaijan and Central Asia countries

2025-04-29T09:57:26+00:00

Objectives: This paper aims to explore the role foreign trade and green energy aspects of economic development of Azerbaijan and Central Asia countries, focusing on tools economic cooperation with EU.

Prior Work: This study allows seeing the strategic role trade and energy cooperation beetwen EU and Central Asia region. Suggested that trade and energy cooperations may transforming and resulting in regional effects.

Approach: The approach comprises the three elements of relations (trade, Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and green projects). The economic development for the region countries hinges on the structure of economy, human capital, resource productivity and regional cooperation.

Results: The trade and green energy cooperation depends on different factors driving. For Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, the model of economic development demonstrated good forecast for trade, green energy and agreement with EU, indicating positive dynamics for relations with EU. Particularly increased participation around sustainable development.

Implications: Ensuring green projects initiatives and ecomomic sustainability is crucial for implementing the transregional economic projects between European Union (EU) countries, Azerbaijan and Central Asia.

Value: The purpose of this paper is to explore the trade, green energy and common interest aspects of the transregional relations with the EU and their economic integration prospect.

Understanding Risks and Bypassing Impediments Concerning Health Care in Albania

2025-06-04T07:41:40+00:00

According to the Constitution of the Republic of Albania, health care is sanctioned as an equal right for all of its citizens, and it should encompass universal coverage. During the last years, especially during and after the COVID-19 shockwave, the policies of the Albanian government have been directed towards improving the situation in the healthcare system, however, there is still more to be done. Healthcare continues to be a pressing issue, especially with the changing demographic structure of the Albanian population and the emigration of qualified healthcare personnel. Understanding risks and adopting strategies and policies to bypass them is essential to guarantee high-quality service in a timely manner for patients in all three tiers of the healthcare system in Albania. With the emerging competition from private healthcare organizations, it is imperative to identify the risks and provide measures to bypass or minimize them, especially in the light of policies regarding hospital autonomy. Through extensive secondary literature review and data from national and international organizations, this research paper aims to investigate and examine some of the main risks related to Albanian healthcare organizations. The sustainable development of a country cannot be achieved without good health and well-being for all its citizens.

Considerations on International Negotiations

2025-05-30T05:31:42+00:00

The present article highlights the complexity of negotiations that have continuously evolved. Although there are many definitions of negotiation in relation to its importance and level, the difficulty of a negotiation process is also determined by conflicting interests and the positions of the negotiating parties. Regardless of the nature of the negotiation process, experience and specific training, ultimately, the professionalism of those who negotiate requires a great deal of discernment between reality and appearances.

Critical Perspectives on a Founding Myth: Jean Monnet and the European Construction

2025-05-30T05:36:32+00:00

Monnet's role in the post-war organization of (Western) Europe is undeniable: the first European community established a regional organization of several Western European states and also constituted the starting point for a new social reality, with its own dynamics, which gave rise to extensive academic debates. The latter are inevitably also debates about Monnet's personality and form, we consider, by themselves a social universe, a field in the sociological sense. In this field we can glimpse power relations meant to put both Monnet's personality and the European construction in one light or another. In order to identify some fixed elements in this immense process of knowledge, we have cut out from the academic literature accessed a series of explanatory motifs that put Monnet's personality in a variety of perspectives.

The Impact of the Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Palestine Conflicts on International Relations and Regional Interaction: An Analysis of the Interplay Between Two Complex Conflicts

2025-05-29T12:09:54+00:00

This study looks to liken and sound out the geopolitical and sociopolitical after-effects of the Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Palestine disputes, judging their fallout on global safety, economic links, and local calm. Past Work: Using what has been said in international ties and fight studies, this paper checks how old marks and current forces mold world and regional actions. Method: A comparative quality approach is used; case studies, old data checks, and geopolitical forms help look into how these fights mix with global plans. Findings: The Ukraine-Russia clash has hurt EU-NATO ties, pushed changes in energy plans and tested Western unions; while the Israel-Palestine strife shapes Mideast geopolitics, Arab-Israeli links US policy abroad, and global human rights talk, all these fights boost regional conflict, making diplomacy near impossible. The results bear importance for academics, policymakers, and local actors interested in understanding the broader impacts of protracted disputes on global governance and regional stability. This work presents a new comparative perspective on two major disputes, highlighting their interconnected ramifications for international relations and suggesting lessons for future conflict-resolution approaches. Further study should probe these disputes' long-term socioeconomic and environmental impacts, dealing primarily with global migration, resource distribution, and regional governance issues.

Political Regime and Electoral System in Albania: A Century after The First Parliamentary Republic

2025-06-10T09:40:34+00:00

The article compares features of the political regime and electoral system between the first parliamentary republic in Albania from 1925 – 1928 and the democratic system of 2025. The analysis employs a comparative approach to search for similarities and differences between the two periods and also to map residual features in today’s politics. The research considers components of political power, level of democracy, electoral process, governance, leadership and political parties’ control, and citizens’ participation. The results contribute to a deeper understanding of certain modern political dynamics and thereby offer insight for further development of a stronger pluralist and democratic system.

External Shocks and Economic Fragility: Insights from Germany’s Macroeconomic Response

2025-07-08T14:40:08+00:00

This study investigates the macroeconomic effects of exogenous Brent crude oil prices, World Uncertainty Index (WUI), inflation, interest rates, and GDP in Germany. The study is analyzed within the framework of SVAR model using monthly data for the period 2000:Q1-2023:11. The empirical findings are informed by variance decomposition. According to the variance decomposition results, the most effective shocks in interest rate were oil shock by 10.25%, World uncertainty index shock by 5.58%, inflation shock by 4.55% and finally GDP shock by 0.45%. The most effective shocks to inflation were 30.13% from the oil shock, 4.64% from the interest rate shock, 1.22% from the GDP shock and finally 0.51% from the World uncertainty index shock and the most effective shocks to GDP were 17.42% from the oil shock, 2.71% from the inflation shock, 2.43% from the World uncertainty index shock and finally 1.63% from the interest rate shock. These results show the significant vulnerability in the German economy against external shocks. This paper highlights the importance of proactive policy responses to mitigate economic fragility.

The Role of Intercultural Communication in Diplomatic Negotiations

2025-05-29T12:22:51+00:00

Intercultural communication in international relations and diplomacy can be considered as an important condition for cooperation in any field (political, economic, cultural, etc.). Establishing and maintaining contacts, both bilaterally and multilaterally, is not possible without such communication. In diplomatic negotiations, the intercultural competence of specialists, namely the training of practical skills and abilities that ensure the ethnocultural perception of the individual's development, his ability to correctly interpret the specific manifestations of verbal and nonverbal behavior in different ethnocultures, has a major role. Based on these considerations, the article proposes two scientific objectives: the presentation of the role of intercultural communication in diplomatic negotiations and some aspects of intercultural communication in the diplomatic negotiations of the European Union.

The Tensions between Notions of “Physical” and “Digital” Space in Regional Development

2025-05-05T07:30:21+00:00

In this increasingly interconnected world, online and offline spaces interact and influence each other, creating new economic geographies and affecting the balance of socio-economic development of different regions. The interaction between physical and digital environments has significant implications for regional growth, social equity and environmental sustainability. This article outlines a theoretical framework and discusses the economic impacts, social equity and community dynamics, environmental impacts of the twin transitions and governance and policy challenges. The findings of this study reveal the need for a balanced development strategy that uses both physical and digital spaces to achieve equitable and sustainable regional development and concludes with several policy recommendations for an integrative approach, including investing in digital infrastructure while promoting digital literacy, supporting local identities in adopting green technologies and encouraging collaboration among stakeholders to modernize regional development, by building inclusive ecosystems that promote sustainable development.

Exploring Working Capital Practices in Albanian SMEs: A Descriptive Analysis of Financial Decision-Making

2025-06-10T12:23:54+00:00

This paper presents a descriptive study that examines financial management practices in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Albania, with a specific focus on working capital components. The analysis is based on a structured questionnaire completed by firm representatives, covering decision-making, owner qualifications, use of software, cash planning, inventory control, and trade credit policies. While many firms report using digital tools and preparing cash budgets, overall financial practices remain largely intuitive and informal. A significant share of decisions is made by owners with limited financial or accounting education, and key elements such as cash surpluses, shortages, inventory levels, and credit sales are handled without structured policies. These conditions may contribute to inconsistencies in managing short-term financial resources, potentially creating anomalies that threaten the firm’s financial stability. The study does not address other areas of financial decision-making but aims to shed light on common working capital practices and highlight the need for stronger financial awareness and planning capacity within SMEs and among their leadership.

Emotion, Economics, and the Voter: A Behavioral Finance Perspective on Economic Perception during Electoral Campaigns

2025-05-30T05:55:44+00:00

This paper explores how behavioral finance provides critical insights into the psychological mechanisms that shape voter behavior during electoral campaigns—particularly when economic narratives are central to political messaging. While economic decision-making is often assumed to be rational, behavioral finance reveals that emotions, framing effects, and mental shortcuts (heuristics) significantly influence how individuals perceive financial reality.
Focusing on Albania’s 2025 electoral cycle as a case context, the paper examines how campaign strategies—such as symbolic financial gestures, emotionally resonant public events, and curated representations of authenticity—interact with cognitive biases to influence voter sentiment. The research highlights the use of emotional branding, symbolic capital, and culturally embedded figures as tools that shape political messaging and perception of economic well-being.
The study also considers the role of social media and generative technologies in amplifying affective communication, noting their capacity to personalize and emotionally calibrate campaign narratives. Without issuing political judgment, the paper underscores the behavioral logic behind modern campaigns and the need for greater voter awareness, emotional literacy, and critical thinking in democratic processes.
Using Albania’s 2025 electoral context as a case lens, the study applies a behavioral finance framework to explore voter perception. By bridging insights from finance, psychology, and political communication, this paper contributes to the growing academic dialogue on the emotional dynamics of electoral behavior and the evolving landscape of democracy in a digital age.
These developments demand a multidisciplinary lens—particularly one informed by behavioral finance—to interpret how voters engage with economic narratives emotionally.

The Patchy Digital Landscape of Romanian Food Retail: Regional Disparities and Implications for Market Performance

2025-06-10T12:14:39+00:00

This paper aims to analyse the digital presence of general food retail companies in Romania and investigate whether there is a link between the digital presence and the market performance of these companies. This study is relevant in the context of the digital transformation, that is revolutionizing the retail landscape offering challenges and opportunities alike. For the Romanian food retail sector this is a third major wave of transformation in the last four decades, and these speedy changes generate diverse reactions, with metropolitan areas quickly embracing digital advancements while more peripheral regions face developmental inertia. To offer a better understanding of the context this paper will first review some important studies on the retail landscape and performance of the companies and then will examine the proportion of companies with digital presence on a sample made of the 198 largest companies in general food retail, according to their turnover. With a large sample we aimed to ensure that each county is represented by at least two companies, so we stopped collecting data when this criterion was met. The results highlight a very patchy landscape of digital presence, as in certain regions top companies have developed an multichannel digital presence but in others most companies are invisible in the digital space and are solely rooted in the physical retail activity. The analysis also reveals some challenges of the local food retail companies, that are currently having a large turnover, but who risk losing touch with the consumers, who are increasingly spending time in the digital world. This also places local competitors in a vulnerable position compared to the large multinational retail chains who have taken many steps forward to leverage the digital transformation and secure a long-term competitive advantage. This is a first study on the digitalization of food retail companies in Romania that considers the development differences between the counties and enables a mapping of the regions where more support in terms of digitalization of the retail sector would be needed for local companies to remain in business.

Behavior-Based Segmentation in Tourism: A Study On Visitor Profiles and Preferences – Albanian Case

2025-06-25T05:32:32+00:00

This study aims to analyze the preferences and behaviors of tourists visiting Albania, based on their demographic profile and preferences for natural, cultural, and coastal destinations. Using analysis of variance (ANOVA), the study identifies the main factors that influence tourists’ destination choices. Furthermore, the study highlights significant differences in perceptions of service quality among different tourist segments. The results indicate that tourists visiting Albania exhibit varying preferences based on their demographic characteristics and the purpose of their visit. For example, employed tourists tend to choose natural and coastal destinations more frequently, while cultural tourists have higher expectations for the quality of services offered in cultural destinations. Meanwhile, domestic tourists prefer coastal tourism more than foreign tourists. Based on the data analysis, it is recommended to improve infrastructure and facilities for children, telecommunications, and the quality of services in the main destinations. Furthermore, it is suggested that the policy should aim at developing sustainable tourism to attract more international tourists. This study provides practical recommendations for improving the tourism sector in Albania and adapting tourist offers in accordance with the needs and expectations of different tourist segments.

Universities, Education, and Diplomacy: Promoting Values and Cultural Dialogue in the Globalized World

2025-06-04T05:51:49+00:00

In today’s globalized world, universities play a growing role in educational diplomacy by fostering cultural dialogue and promoting shared global values. This paper examines how higher education institutions act as diplomatic agents, advancing international cooperation through language, cultural promotion, and academic exchanges. Special attention is given to the Confucius Institutes (China) and Sejong Institutes (South Korea), which go beyond language instruction to function as cultural ambassadors, contributing to national soft power strategies.

Using the Free International University of Moldova (ULIM) as a case study - which hosts both a Confucius Institute and a Sejong Korean Language and Culture Center - the paper illustrates how universities can serve as platforms for intercultural engagement and cross-border collaboration. Insights from the 2024 World Chinese Language Conference further contextualize the growing influence of educational diplomacy in fostering mutual understanding and peaceful international relations.

The research also addresses the challenges and opportunities of using universities and language institutes as tools of soft power, notably the challenge of balancing national identity promotion with respect for cultural diversity. Ultimately, this study highlights the vital role of universities in advancing cultural dialogue, strengthening international partnerships, and supporting diplomacy through education in the 21st century.