South East European University

This paper rigorously examines the comprehensive benefits of European integration, focusing on its profound impact on economic and social spheres. The discussion begins by emphasizing the need to revisit the integration discourse through economic, social, and geostrategic perspectives. It underscores the European Union’s foundational role as a political peace project underpinned by economic union, illustrating the significant economic benefits such as enhanced GDP per capita, trade integration, economies of scale, and financial liberalization. Furthermore, the paper juxtaposes EU pre-accession assistance with cohesion funds, highlighting the substantial financial advantages conferred by full membership. The urgency of EU enlargement is discussed, particularly in the context of the geopolitical challenges precipitated by the conflict in Ukraine. The analysis concludes with a call for structural reforms in the Western Balkans to expedite convergence with the EU, emphasizing the importance of regional connectivity, economic resilience, and sustainable development. This integration is posited as a critical pathway to fostering a prosperous future within the European framework.

Brexit is one of the main international events of the twenty-first century. Although as a process it was finalized in 2021, there is still curiosity about its causes. The purpose of this article is to specify the main concerns towards the European Union that led the Britons to vote for Brexit. For realization of the research were used qualitative methods, characterized by the collection of data from the bibliography and internet sources related to the United Kingdom, the EU and the Brexit process. The research results show that since its membership in the European Economic Community in 1973, the UK has had contradictions with certain EU policies. But, immigration was the biggest concern and the main factor that led the British people to vote for Brexit. The conclusions aim to increase information about the Brexit process and factors that had a great impact on the British people’s vote for Brexit.

This study analyzes policies on youth empowerment, employment, and migration, framed within migration and labor market theories, as well as the principles of evidence-based policy (EBP). The central hypothesis posits that the implementation of EBP in Kosovo’s public administration would improve accountability, transparency, and policy delivery, thus reducing youth emigration. The research, using a qualitative approach, compares Kosovo’s policies with theoretical and models. It reveals a significant educational disparity, high youth unemployment, and ineffective migration policies, contributing to persistent youth migration. Kosovo’s initiatives to address youth migration have been limited by weak policy coordination, institutional inefficiencies, and lack of empirical data. Therefore, EBP could enhance policy effectiveness by providing solutions for aligning education with labor market demands, improving vocational training, and creating sustainable employment opportunities, thereby reducing youth emigration and fostering better integration of returnees.

The paper presents the most comprehensive and large-scale global study to date on how higher education students perceived the use of ChatGPT in early 2024. With a sample of 23,218 students from 109 countries and territories, the study reveals that students primarily used ChatGPT for brainstorming, summarizing texts, and finding research articles, with a few using it for professional and creative writing. They found it useful for simplifying complex information and summarizing content, but less reliable for providing information and supporting classroom learning, though some considered its information clearer than that from peers and teachers. Moreover, students agreed on the need for AI regulations at all levels due to concerns about ChatGPT promoting cheating, plagiarism, and social isolation. However, they believed ChatGPT could potentially enhance their access to knowledge and improve their learning experience, study efficiency, and chances of achieving good grades. While ChatGPT was perceived as effective in potentially improving AI literacy, digital communication, and content creation skills, it was less useful for interpersonal communication, decision-making, numeracy, native language proficiency, and the development of critical thinking skills. Students also felt that ChatGPT would boost demand for AI-related skills and facilitate remote work without significantly impacting unemployment. Emotionally, students mostly felt positive using ChatGPT, with curiosity and calmness being the most common emotions. Further examinations reveal variations in students’ perceptions across different socio-demographic and geographic factors, with key factors influencing students’ use of ChatGPT also being identified. Higher education institutions’ managers and teachers may benefit from these findings while formulating the curricula and instructions/regulations for ChatGPT use, as well as when designing the teaching methods and assessment tools. Moreover, policymakers may also consider the findings when formulating strategies for secondary and higher education system development, especially in light of changing labor market needs and related digital skills development.

Although the importance of integrating digital technologies in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) is growing rapidly, empirical research related to knowledge spillovers (KS), organizational resilience, innovation orientation, and digital capabilities still remains scarce. This research proposes a framework in which we verify the moderating effect of digital capabilities on the relationship between KS, organizational resilience, and innovation orientation. Another aim of this research is to study the effect of KS and organizational resilience on innovation orientation by conducting a quantitative study utilizing data from the World Bank's Enterprise Survey, collected at three separate times. Drawing from a sample of 2291 MSMEs in the service sector across 15 EU countries, the partial least squares structural equation modeling was the method used to evaluate our proposed conceptual model and examine the hypothesized relationships. The findings reveal that KSs have a positive effect on innovation orientation by leveraging digital capabilities. In addition, the empirical evidence demonstrates that both KS and organizational resilience have a positive impact on innovation orientation. This research also makes several theoretical and practical contributions.

The banking sector in the Western Balkan countries has changed dramatically in recent years. A variety of factors have contributed to these changes, such as economic growth, increased competition, and the implementation of new regulations. As a result, the profitability of the banking sector varies greatly between countries. The purpose of this research is to look into the impact of internal and macroeconomic factors on the profitability of the banking sector in the Western Balkan countries. The research used 85 observations from unbalanced panel data from five countries from 2005 to 2021. Data were gathered from the International Monetary Fund’s World Economic Outlook Database, which contains information on the trend and progress of banking in the Western Balkans. The variables used included macroeconomic variables, internal bank variables, and industry variables, with return on assets and return on equity used to measure bank profitability. Panel regression with pooled least squares, fixed effects, and random effects was used to analyze these variables. Internal factors such as bank Z-score, 3-bank asset concentration, bank net interest margin, bank overhead costs to total assets, bank credit to deposits, and bank capital to total assets have a positive impact on profitability, according to the findings. GDP and inflation, for example, have a mixed impact on profitability. The impact of industry factors such as liquid assets, deposits, and short-term funding, as well as bank Z-score, on profitability is mixed. The study’s findings have significant implications for policy experts and bank managers in Western Balkan countries. The findings can be used by policymakers to create policies that promote the profitability of the banking sector. The findings can be used by bank managers to improve their banks’ profitability by making strategic decisions about asset allocation, capital structure, and risk management.

What causes sustainable innovation has been the subject of recent academic and policy debate. This study examines whether the relationship between firm characteristics and sustainable innovation differs in European and non-European countries with different institutional contexts. Drawing on institutional theory and leveraging data from the 2020 Eurobarometer survey involving 15,000 interviews in 36 European and non-European countries, multilevel econometric analysis of firms in these countries reveals a robust connection between sustainable innovation and firm-specific factors and institutional quality. We combine the firm-level data from Eurobarometer 2020 with multiple sources of country-level data to measure the impact of institutional quality on sustainable innovation. Using a multilevel logistic regression model, the findings indicate that small and medium-sized enterprises tend to develop more sustainable innovations, and countries with superior institutional quality and institutional trust foster an environment conducive to sustainable innovation. The paper concludes with implications for theory and policy, suggesting how governments can influence the growth and development of sustainable innovation.

This research conducts a theoretical literature review on firm territorial agglomerations, assessing whether scientific contributions have addressed sustainability-related aspects, how these aspects have co-evolved with the field, and their impact on firms’ competitiveness within the contemporary business paradigm. To fulfill this objective, a comprehensive literature review based on objective criteria was carried out through bibliometric analysis using one of the most prestigious scientific databases: the Clarivate Web of Science. Based on the literature reviewed and the empirical evidence, there are important research gaps on aspects related to sustainability in companies located in territorial agglomerations of firms. Therefore, we propose new lines to be covered by future research. We also add a succinct list of implications for practitioners and policymakers for the implementation of more sustainable regional policies.

This paper investigates the influence of institutional dynamics and governance structures on private equity investment in Saudi Arabia, with a particular focus on corporate social responsibility (CSR). In the context of Saudi Arabia's evolving regulatory framework under Vision 2030, the study examines how both formal institutions, such as legal regulations, and informal cultural norms shape investment decisions and outcomes in the private equity sector. By applying Institutional Theory, this research explores the complex interplay between governance structures, CSR practices, and investment behaviour. Data collected from a variety of industry sources is analysed to determine the extent to which institutional pressures, governance policies, and CSR initiatives affect the decision-making processes of private equity firms. The findings highlight that institutional frameworks and CSR strategies play a pivotal role in shaping investment patterns, fostering a sustainable approach to investment in the region. The implications of these findings for policymakers and private equity firms are discussed, with recommendations aimed at enhancing the alignment between governance standards, CSR, and investment growth. This study contributes to the growing literature on private equity and CSR, offering insights into the unique institutional environment of Saudi Arabia.

Online financial fraud remains a pervasive threat, incurring billions of dollars in global losses annually. Mid-sized markets, such as North Macedonia, face acute challenges as digital adoption in the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector outpaces the establishment of robust, multi-layered security systems. This paper introduces FRAUD-X, a unified framework merging artificial intelligence (AI)–based anomaly detection, blockchain-driven transaction verification, cybersecurity intrusion detection, and real-time early warning mechanisms into a single pipeline. Drawing upon three datasets—a Credit Card Fraud dataset (Kaggle), the PaySim Mobile Money dataset, and collected 50,000 anonymized local BFSI transactions from North Macedonia—FRAUD-X demonstrates a ~2–4% improvement in F1 compared to single-plane AI approaches, with ~90% recall for zero-day threats. Key enhancements include: (1) a permissioned blockchain for tamper-proof ledger entries, (2) synergistic AI–cybersecurity integration for dynamic risk scoring, and (3) real-time alerts that reduce reaction windows from hours to mere minutes. The framework runs at ~15–16 ms per transaction (~33% CPU usage), supporting near-real-time BFSI operations. Ablation studies confirm that each synergy layer (blockchain, cybersecurity, and early warning) significantly contributes to overall performance. A security analysis illustrates how FRAUD-X mitigates node compromise, collusion attempts, and advanced persistent threats (APT). By providing a replicable roadmap that balances high detection accuracy with operational feasibility, FRAUD-X offers practical value to BFSI entities in North Macedonia and comparable mid-scale markets.

Online social media has seen a significant increase in usage over the last decade, enabling people to communicate more easily. The vast amount of data generated by these platforms is mostly uncontrolled and unmanageable. This has also provided opportunities for individuals to engage in hate speech and offensive language on these platforms. To address this issue, this research aims to conduct extensive experiments using machine learning models and handcrafted feature extraction in the low-resource language Albanian. We utilized several machine-learning algorithms, including Support Vector Machine (SVM), Naive Bayes (NB), Random Forest (RF), and Logistic Regression (LR), and extracted a considerable number of handcrafted features. To improve accuracy, we carefully performed feature selection to identify the most relevant features for detecting hate speech in the Albanian language. The results show that LR performed best in terms of accuracy, with an F1 score of 76.77. Using Random Forest feature ranking and SHAP analysis revealed that many comments on Albanian social media exhibit unique characteristics, resulting in a large feature set. This suggests that there is no clear pattern for the machine learning models to accurately flag the comments, indicating that Albanian is linguistically challenging to analyze.

This study investigates the factors influencing emigration intentions among Kosovo's educated youth, with a particular focus on addressing the growing issue of brain drain. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research explores economic, political, and social factors contributing to migration intentions. A survey of 150 respondents aged 18–35 reveals a significant disconnect between educational attainment and local employment opportunities, with high unemployment and underemployment driving dissatisfaction. The findings align with established migration theories, including Push-Pull Theory and Human Capital Theory, illustrating how push factors like political instability and poor job prospects in Kosovo contrast with the pull factors of better salaries and career opportunities abroad. Policy recommendations include increasing wages, improving job opportunities, fostering political stability, and supporting entrepreneurship to mitigate brain drain and promote a sustainable future for educated youth in Kosovo.

The implementation of Task-Based Instruction (TBI) has resulted in a productive transformation for many foreign language teachers, since it emphasizes the importance of context and meaningful language use. This study presents an overview of the Task-Based Instruction, provides a framework and elaborates task characteristics. It investigates secondary school EFL teachers’ experiences with the task-based approach through semi-structured interviews. The results show that despite the fact that some teachers are not trained in Task-Based Teaching, they are eager to implement this approach due to the fact that it enhances the communicative competency and provides students with maximized ways of using the target language. The results show that this pedagogical transformation necessitates material adaptation, as well as careful task design, planning and preparation. As per the examination procedure, it is evident that task-based teaching is not created with examination in mind. Its aim is to support students in using English outside the classroom, even if the language they produce is not always grammatically accurate. It is possible to prepare learners for examinations through form-focused activities which are accompanied by tasks and later on reflected in the examination. Above all, Task-Based Instruction is concerned with learners’ ability to use language effectively. Therefore, this paper considers some key areas for future research, and it stresses the need for teacher training, in order for successful implementation to take place.

This paper explores the legal framework governing the division of joint ownership in marital property in North Macedonia, with a particular focus on gender implications. It critically analyzes the Family Law Act and the Law on Ownership and Other Real Rights to assess how these provisions function during marriage dissolution due to divorce or death. By employing a qualitative, legal-analytical approach, the research assesses legislative texts and relevant case law to explore the extent to which current laws ensure equitable property division, irrespective of gender or economic contribution. In addition to legal analysis, the research utilizes case law to highlight and illustrate discrepancies between the law’s theoretical principle of equal division and its real-world application, particularly where traditional gender roles are concerned. It discusses how traditional expectations around women’s unpaid contributions, such as caregiving and household management, often result in outcomes that disadvantage women. Women, especially those who have forgone paid employment to fulfill domestic roles, face significant challenges in securing an equal share of marital property. The study emphasizes the need for legal reforms that better account for these disparities, promoting fairness in the division of joint ownership and greater protection for vulnerable parties. This research contributes to ongoing discussions on property rights and gender equality, proposing reforms that align the legal framework with international human rights standards. To provide a broader perspective, the study includes a comparative analysis of property division practices in selected jurisdictions, situating North Macedonia's approach within an international framework. This examination not only underscores the need for greater consistency in judicial interpretation but also contributes to ongoing discussions on property rights and marital equity by proposing specific areas for legal reform. The originality of this study lies in its detailed, context-specific analysis of North Macedonian property division laws, offering unique insights and practical recommendations for enhancing the fairness and effectiveness of the legal framework within the context of international human rights standards.

This paper will examine the development of a data warehouse aimed at improving decision-making in higher education, which focuses on the identification of students at-risk of academic failure through machine learning techniques. This research utilizes South East European University (SEEU) as a case study to show how data warehousing can integrate various student data—including demographics, academic performance, grades, attendance, and engagement—into an integrated framework that enables predictive analytics. The overall approach allows SEEU decision-makers, administrators, and faculty to proactively identify and assist at-risk students, which improves student retention and their academic success. The results underscore the crucial role of data warehousing in enhancing student achievement and facilitating informed decision-making in higher education. The paper concludes with concrete suggestions for leveraging data to enhance decision-making processes in a digital educational institution.

The paper explores the functions of mediation during peaceful negotiations with a focus on the roles and models of intervention by a Third Party . The paper aims particularly to identify the conditions for the success or failure of negotiations accompanied by the model of Third-Party intervention in mediating peaceful settlements during armed conflicts. Apart from the method of mediation through the contrast approach, it also analyzes the differences with other mechanisms of conflict resolution including arbitration and litigation. It looks closely at the two different Third-Party roles: with authority, and third-party roles without authority. The latter option gravitates more towards mediation functions. As the factor of culture will also often affect how early in a dispute’s history third parties become involved, the paper also identifies which Third Party roles are available to disputants, as well as the third party’s inclination to focus on interests and rights. Through the method of a case study of the peaceful negotiations for achieving the Ohrid Framework Agreement (which stopped the armed conflict of 2001 in North Macedonia) the paper explores the comparative functions of the intervention by the international envoys in the capacity of a Third Party .

This study analysis the Energy Efficiency Program of the Municipality of Brvenica, examining its budgetary aspects through the lens of gender-responsive measures. The program, spanning 2022-2024, allocates funds for diverse energy efficiency projects but falls short in addressing residential households and lacks ambitious renewable energy measures. The absence of gender-disaggregated data underscores a gap in understanding the impact on women and men. Recommendations urge aligning the program with gender equality policies, expanding goals, and consulting the Commission for Equal Opportunities. The study advocates for gender-sensitive measures, citizen involvement, and increased funds for household energy efficiency. Budgetary analysis reveals a disconnection between the program and the municipal budget, emphasizing the need for better integration. Challenges include the absence of gender-specific data and limited consultation during program development. Recommendations stress enhanced budget transparency, increased financial allocations for gender-responsive initiatives, and collaboration for ecological heating awareness. The study underscores the imperative of comprehensive gender integration in energy policies for equitable outcomes and effective mitigation of energy poverty.

Representation is a fundamental institution within civil law, playing a crucial role in the resolution of legal affairs. Subjects of law during the establishment of legal affairs or undertaking various procedural actions in civil litigation procedures may engage representatives who act on behalf and for the benefit of their interests. This paper explores the significance of representation as a legal mechanism including its impact on the efficacy of legal proceedings and the protection of parties' interests. The necessity to act through representation arises as a result of the intensification of social relations and finds wide application due to the lack of time and the impossibility of parties to personally carry out their actions every time. Additionally, it is due to the complexity of the legal affairs and the risks that may be encountered in the absence of professional knowledge, whether they are physical or legal persons. This paper aims to discuss difficulties faced by individuals who do not engage such representatives, like lawyers, to resolve their legal matters and examines the impact of such representation on court proceedings. It also addresses the challenges and limitations associated with representation, such as issues related to the quality and competence of representatives, and the potential disparities faced by those unable to afford legal services. This research employs various methods, including historical and theoretical analysis, examination of judicial practices, and comparative aspects. The historical method highlights the evolving nature of representation in civil law over time. While the comparative method is used to investigate how the right to representation is regulated across different jurisdictions, revealing similarities and differences in their legal frameworks. The findings underscore the importance of effective representation in ensuring fair and equitable outcomes in civil legal processes.

There is currently a global debate about the so-called media transformation, or metamorphosis, which is mainly concerned with technological benefits in the realm of information. This argument focuses on the relationship between "social media" and new media realities, specifically the impact that these platforms have on the development of political leadership in North Macedonia and the Western Balkans in general. This paper examines the differences between social media and traditional media, exploring their respective roles in shaping the public sphere and political leadership dynamics in North Macedonia and the Western Balkans. Information as a media product, produced with new technology, has caused a massive explosion in the 'membranes' of public interest and this has also diverted attention to a wider plan, where the diagram of reliability does not always match with that of reporting, due to the tendency for the media product to be seen more as a consumer good and less as a communication value. The study is based on comprehensive research, thorough analysis, and synthesis of data published in books and scientific articles on the Internet, with a critical analysis of the current situation. Furthermore, this scientific research procedure involves breaking down complex concepts, judgments, and conclusions into simpler components and elements. In the end, the study highlights that the professional challenges in conquering the media market remain constant, while the audience is the one who selects the offers that are closer to their social, political, and aesthetic tastes and affinities.