International Journal of Euro-Mediterranean Studies
type: channel
description: The International Journal of Euro-Mediterranean Studies (IJEMS) is an open-access peer-reviewed journal for the study of the Euro-Mediterranean region. It aims to promote engagement with the realities and ideas in the Euro-Mediterranean region, thereby developing scholarly capital and improving intercultural understanding among scholars. It publishes articles on contemporary affairs or past aspects using a variety of methodologies and approaches, representing the full geographical range wherever it is published.
publisher: Euro-Mediterranean University
language: en
publication name: International Journal of Euro-Mediterranean Studies
issn: 1855-3362
items: Interconnected Challenges and Shared Futures in the Euro-Mediterranean Region
items: Abstracts in Slovene
items: Abstracts in French
items: Does Informality Deter Investment? An Empirical Analysis of FDI and the Informal Economy in EU and Candidate Countries
items: International Dimension of Critical Infrastructure Resilience: Challenges of the Mediterranean Security Environment
items: Enhancing Intercultural Competence through Collaborative OnlineInternational Learning: A Case Studyfrom Albania and Lithuania
items: Differentiated Integration and the Common Security and Defence Policy: Two Case Studies – MED7/MED9 and the Visegrad Four
items: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Sustainability, Development,and Culture in the Mediterranean and Beyond
items: Economic Integration of Mediterranean States
items: Flood Hazard Assessment and Risk Management in Dar Belamri: A Hydrological and Hydraulic Approach for Effective Urban Development and Slum Reduction
items: Organizational Effectiveness in Emerging Markets: Insights from Macedonian SMEs
items: Knowledge Management Index For Better Climate Change Management: A Case Study in the Egyptian Petroleum Sector
items: How Do Serbian Gymnastics Coaches Make Decisions?
items: Musicians, as an Important Building Block of Mediterranean Rural Tourism
items: Abstracts in French, Slovene, and Arabic
items: Insights into Socioeconomic and Political Transformations in the Euro-Mediterranean Region
items: Emotional and Social Intelligence and its Impact on the Business Success of Bulgarian Digital Entrepreneurs
items: Post-Crisis Analysis of Media Consumption and Perceptions of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Study of Moroccan Youth in Urban Areas
items: Navigating Global Disruptions: Migration, Education, and Labor Markets in a Post-Pandemic World
items: The Impact of the Audit Committee on Financial Performance in Moroccan SMEs: An Empirical Examination
items: Innovative Marketing Approaches and Transformation of Slovenian Consumer Behavior During the COVID-19 Pandemic
items: Democratization in Tunisia: Negotiating the Interplay of Policy and Economic Development
items: The Impact of Tourism, Foreign Direct Investment, Trade, Economic Growth, and Renewable Energy on Carbon Emissions: The Case of Mediterranean Countries
items: Integrating Spirituality and Politics: Insights from Islam and Christianity on Religiosity and Governance in Contemporary Society
items: The Effects of Job Retention Schemes on Employment Preservation during the COVID-19 Epidemic in Euro Area Countries
items: Internationalisation at Home: Intercultural Engagement of Students in Extracurricular Activities; MED2IaH Case Study
items: Case Studies of COVID-19 Pandemic Affecting Early-Career Scientists’ Mobility within theMediterranean Blue Economy Sector
items: The Use of Analytic Hierarchy Process forMeasuring National Interests: Demonstrating the Case Study of the Changing Relevance of Libya for Italian Foreign Policy between 2011–2021

Interconnected Challenges and Shared Futures in the Euro-Mediterranean Region
type: item
subject: Editorial
  topic: section
creator: Jaka Vadnjal
creator: Jihene Nouairi
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Jaka Vadnjal, Jihene Nouairi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-08-31
publication date: 2025-08-31

Abstracts in Slovene
type: item
subject: Abstracts
  topic: section
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-08-31
publication date: 2025-08-31

Abstracts in French
type: item
subject: Abstracts
  topic: section
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-08-31
publication date: 2025-08-31

Does Informality Deter Investment? An Empirical Analysis of FDI and the Informal Economy in EU and Candidate Countries
type: item
description: This study examines the relationship between the size of the informal economy and foreign direct investment (FDI) flows in EU member states and EU candidate countries in the Western Balkans, as part of the wider Mediterranean region. The analysis' central hypothesis is that informality deters FDI, owing to factors ranging from institutional quality to unfair competition. Using data for the period 1996–2020 and employing Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Fixed Effects (FE) estimations, our results indicate that a larger informal economy significantly reduces FDI inflows and outflows only in non-EU countries, with no statistically significant relationship found for EU member states. This finding persists even after controlling for institutional quality, suggesting that the documented impact of the informal economy on FDI is not mainly through institutional weakness but rather through other underlying market distortions that prevail in highly informal markets. These insights underline the need for future research to examine more closely how informality affects market conditions and investment behaviour.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Informal economy
  topic: keywords
subject: Foreign Direct Investments
  topic: keywords
subject: EU candidate countries
  topic: keywords
creator: Bernard Dosti
creator: Arlind Maze
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Bernard Dosti, Arlind Maze https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-08-31
publication date: 2025-08-31

International Dimension of Critical Infrastructure Resilience: Challenges of the Mediterranean Security Environment
type: item
description: The resilience of critical infrastructure (CI) has emerged as a defining challenge of the 21st century, accompanied by a growing recognition of its international and cross-border dimensions. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Mediterranean region, a region characterised by its strategic position at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, its climatic vulnerability, and its socio-political diversity. This article explores the international dimension of CI resilience with a particular focus on the challenges and opportunities presented by the Mediterranean basin. The Mediterranean faces a convergence of threats that test the robustness and adaptability of infrastructures upon which societies depend. Climate-related hazards such as heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, and flooding increasingly disrupt energy, water, and transport systems. At the same time, cyber-physical threats associated with the digitalisation of energy grids, telecommunications networks, and maritime transport systems expose the region to sophisticated cyberattacks and cascading failures. These risks are further compounded by geopolitical instability, with conflicts, irregular migration flows, and the security of energy transit routes placing significant strain in national systems and cross-border cooperation. Drawing on European policy frameworks such as the CER Directive, the NIS2 Directive, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, and the EU Strategy for Critical Infrastructure Resilience – as well as preparatory steps undertaken within the EU project ENDURANCE – this article argues that resilience in the Mediterranean requires both strategic integration and operational pragmatism. The analysis highlights the inadequacy of siloed, state-centric approaches and emphasises the need for cross-sectoral, cross-border, and community-level engagement. Case studies focusing on energy interconnectors, port infrastructures, and urban coastal resilience illustrate the interconnected vulnerabilitie…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: resilience
  topic: keywords
subject: Mediterranean security environment
  topic: keywords
subject: critical infrastructure
  topic: keywords
subject: sectorial interdependences
  topic: keywords
subject: international cooperation
  topic: keywords
subject: ENDURANCE
  topic: keywords
creator: Denis Čaleta
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Denis Čaleta https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-08-31
publication date: 2025-08-31

Enhancing Intercultural Competence through Collaborative OnlineInternational Learning: A Case Studyfrom Albania and Lithuania
type: item
description: This paper contains a case study of the Faculty of Economy, University of Tirana (FEUT) and Kauno Kolegija's use of Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) in Lithuania. The program lasted five weeks in late 2024. Students collaborated across borders on virtual platforms and undertook assignments that were integrated into both institutions' curricula. The study used a mixed-methods approach involving pre- and post-surveys and qualitative introspection. It examines the effects of COIL on students' intercultural skills, online collaboration, and teamwork in international groups. The results show that COIL enhances students' sensitivity to cultural differences, increases their confidence when collaborating with peers from other countries, and improves online communication and problem-solving skills. The research also highlights the potential of COIL to offer inclusive and sustainable alternatives to classical physical mobility. By presenting an applied model of virtual collaboration, this study contributes to the existing literature on the internationalization of higher education through online teaching modalities.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Collaborative online international learning (COIL)
  topic: keywords
subject: intercultural competence
  topic: keywords
subject: digital collaboration
  topic: keywords
subject: higher education innovation
  topic: keywords
subject: sustainable internationalization
  topic: keywords
creator: Anisa Kume
creator: Fatma Jaupi
creator: Saulius Tvirbutas
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Anisa Kume, Fatma Jaupi, Saulius Tvirbutas https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-08-31
publication date: 2025-08-31

Differentiated Integration and the Common Security and Defence Policy: Two Case Studies – MED7/MED9 and the Visegrad Four
type: item
description: The aim of this paper is to analyse the various forms of differentiated integration and to map the geopolitical intentions of two clearly identified groups of European Union Member States: those in Southern Europe (MED7 and MED9) and those in Central and Eastern Europe (the Visegrad Group), within the framework of permanent structured cooperation (PESCO). In the literature, differentiated integration is described in several ways. Terms such as core Europe, Europe à la carte, two-speed Europe or multi-speed Europe, enhanced cooperation, and variable geometry integration are commonly used. Although these terms are often treated as synonyms, these expressions refer to distinct forms of differentiated integration. This study focuses on two case studies of regional groupings within the EU. The central research question is how PESCO can facilitate differentiated integration in these subregional forms of cooperation and what types of differentiated integration emerge as a result. This paper does not assess the effectiveness of PESCO itself but instead examines statistical data concerning membership and leadership roles held by Member States. The research is based on official statements and publications relating to Member State collaboration, EU documents, and data published on the official PESCO website.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: European Union
  topic: keywords
subject: differentiated integration
  topic: keywords
subject: PESCO
  topic: keywords
subject: Visegrad 4
  topic: keywords
subject: Med 7 and Med 9
  topic: keywords
creator: Anna Molnár
creator: Anna Urbanovics
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Anna Molnár, Anna Urbanovics https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-08-31
publication date: 2025-08-31

Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Sustainability, Development,and Culture in the Mediterranean and Beyond
type: item
subject: Editorial
  topic: section
creator: Jaka Vadnjal
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Jaka Vadnjal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-06-08
publication date: 2025-06-08
doi: 10.70908/

Economic Integration of Mediterranean States
type: item
description: Times of economic crisis are an opportunity for greater integration of the markets of the Mediterranean countries. The chosen method makes it possible to confirm this hypothesis. Unfortunately, this cannot be realized without greater, comprehensive institutional connectivity within he economic space. The greatest role in this can be played by the major members of the Mediterranean basin, which are very important to global trade and through which the effects of major crises are also transmitted most significantly to the economic space of the Mediterranean basin.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Mediterranean countries
  topic: keywords
subject: economic integration
  topic: keywords
subject: Markov chains
  topic: keywords
creator: Janez Fabijan
creator: Jaka Vadnjal
creator: Draško Veselinovič
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Janez Fabijan, Jaka Vadnjal, Draško Veselinovič https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-04-30
publication date: 2025-04-30
doi: 10.70908/

Flood Hazard Assessment and Risk Management in Dar Belamri: A Hydrological and Hydraulic Approach for Effective Urban Development and Slum Reduction
type: item
description: Dar Belamri is considered one of the emerging centers in the Sidi Slimane region, but it suffers from the spread of slums in the center, especially in the Ouled Abdel Sadek area, part of which is located on the edge of a cliff near scattered quarries, in addition to the Fajr area, which is located near the Beht River. What distinguishes these areas is that they are located in a natural flood zone, which requires proactive management of these risks by local planners and decision-makers. This study provides a flood risk assessment tool that is adapted to the conditions of these specific areas. The methodology combines flood frequency and flood impacts using a hydrological and hydraulic approach. This approach uses a hydrological model to analyze the spatio-temporal evolution of hydraulic properties (such as flow rate, velocity, water height, and inundated areas) during design flood events, while assessing the effects of hydraulic developments on flow dynamics. The study focuses on two main watercourses, Wadi Beht and Wadi Oum El Zein. Comprehensive topographic surveys provided detailed morphological data, allowing for accurate hydraulic simulation of floods at different return periods. This helped accurately identify flood zones and contributed decisively to the delineation of areas suitable for urbanization and construction, thus producing a flood risk map. It is a crucial tool for targeted flood risk management and mitigation efforts, ultimately supporting the development of a final urban suitability map and, through it, identifying appropriate solutions for informal housing and avoiding various risks in the center of Dar Belamri, with the potential for application across other high-risk areas.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: urban planning
  topic: keywords
subject: flood
  topic: keywords
subject: slums
  topic: keywords
subject: topography
  topic: keywords
subject: land use
  topic: keywords
subject: remote sensing
  topic: keywords
creator: Rachid Dahmani
creator: Fatehi Altalqi
creator: Amine Belmzoukia
creator: Adil Echchelh
creator: Said Chakiri
creator: Mohammed Benammi
creator: Abderrahmane Aït Fora
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Rachid Dahmani, Fatehi Altalqi, Amine Belmzoukia , Adil Echchelh , Said Chakiri , Mohammed Benammi , Abderrahmane Aït Fora https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-08-31
publication date: 2025-08-31

Organizational Effectiveness in Emerging Markets: Insights from Macedonian SMEs
type: item
description: Although organizational effectiveness has been extensively studied in~developed countries, there is a lack of empirical data from emerging economies -- particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Previous research has often focused on individual determinants (such stress or turnover) without integrating objective financial indicators with subjective HR-related concerns. This study addresses that gap by examining key determinants of organizational effectiveness in Macedonian SMEs, including absenteeism, stress, job satisfaction, turnover, and financial performance metrics such as return on equity (ROE) and return on assets (ROA). The study is grounded in social exchange theory (Organ 1977) and organizational effectiveness frameworks (Quinn and Rohrbaugh 1983; Zammuto 1984), which illustrate how objective financial indicators and subjective HR-related factors interact to influence SME effectiveness in emerging markets. The findings are based on survey data collected from 408 respondents across 30 Macedonian SMEs. A survey methodology was chosen for its ability to systematically gather employee perceptions and experiences from a representative sample of SMEs. The constructs were operationalized using established measures (e.g. COPSOQ II, ASQ, MOAQ-JSS), allowing for reliable assessment of psychosocial and organizational variables. The findings indicate that, compared to employees, leaders report significantly higher levels of both stress and job satisfaction. Although there are no gender differences in job satisfaction or intentions to leave, women report higher levels of workplace stress than men. Age-based evaluations show that employees aged 55 and older have higher absenteeism rates than those in the mid-career group, while younger employees report significantly higher intentions to leave. The lack of SME reporting has led to inconsistent financial metrics, highlighting the need for standardized transparency procedures in emerging economies. The s…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: organizational effectiveness
  topic: keywords
subject: determinants
  topic: keywords
subject: Macedonian SMEs
  topic: keywords
subject: emerging markets
  topic: keywords
creator: Ivona Mileva
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Ivona Mileva https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-08-31
publication date: 2025-08-31

Knowledge Management Index For Better Climate Change Management: A Case Study in the Egyptian Petroleum Sector
type: item
description: Climate change presents significant challenges to organizations, requiring adaptation and mitigation strategies grounded in climate-related knowledge and technological innovation. The petroleum sector faces increasing regulatory and environmental pressures. In response, this study introduces the Climate Change Knowledge Management Index (CKI), a novel metric designed to assess climate knowledge preparedness by integrating energy, environmental, and knowledge management systems. The CKI provides a standardized framework for evaluating how petroleum organizations manage, formalize, and apply climate-relevant knowledge in strategic decision-making. The index was applied to two Egyptian petroleum companies with differing knowledge management approaches, revealing notable differences in climate resilience. The company with formal knowledge management practices scored 0.283, demonstrating stronger integration, lower emissions, and more informed climate decisions. In contrast, the comparison company scored 0.133. Both scores were benchmarked against an optimal value of 0.606. These findings highlight the role of structured knowledge management in strengthening climate resilience and supporting strategic choices across high-emission sectors. The CKI equips decision-makers with a practical tool to evaluate and improve knowledge governance, particularly in developing economies. Its diagnostic capacity offers valuable guidance for sectors transitioning toward sustainable operations.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: knowledge management index
  topic: keywords
subject: decision making
  topic: keywords
subject: sustainability
  topic: keywords
subject: energy management systems
  topic: keywords
subject: environmental management systems
  topic: keywords
subject: climate change management
  topic: keywords
creator: Aly Ahmed Aly
creator: Mohamed Shaltout
creator: Mohamed Salaheldin
creator: Ahmed Elshazly
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Aly Ahmed Aly, Mohamed Shaltout, Mohamed Salaheldin, Ahmed Elshazly https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-04-30
publication date: 2025-04-30
doi: 10.70908/

How Do Serbian Gymnastics Coaches Make Decisions?
type: item
description: Different authors argue that coaching is fundamentally a decision-making (hereinafter: DM) process, while coaches’ DM has been identified as a key element of a coach’s practice. In the present study, we examined the DM behavior of Serbian gymnastics coaches. The sample consisted of 53 coaches (age: 40.96±13.04 years). Manifested DM behavior was measured during the national coaching seminar using the General DM Style Inventory, which includes five DM styles defined as rational, intuitive, dependent, spontaneous and avoidant DM. Factor analyses were performed to reveal the DM styles’ structure. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to identify the association between DM styles, demographic and professional characteristics, and ANOVA was used to detect differences between more experienced and less experienced coaches. The results showed that coaches use a combination of all five DM styles when making decisions, but mostly use rational and dependent DM styles. Based on the discovered average structure of the DM styles, we can conclude that Serbian gymnastics coaches are mostly rational decision-makers who increase their rationality by seeking advice, opinions, and knowledge from colleagues when making decisions. Furthermore, more experienced coaches can make decisions more independently and also faster when the situation is urgent or time-limited.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Serbian gymnastics coaches
  topic: keywords
subject: decision-making styles
  topic: keywords
subject: structure
  topic: keywords
subject: demographics characteristics
  topic: keywords
subject: professional characteristics
  topic: keywords
subject: experiences
  topic: keywords
creator: Edvard Kolar
creator: Saša Velićković
creator: Rado Pišot
creator: Marijo Možnik
creator: Matej Tušak
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Edvard Kolar, Saša Velićković, Rado Pišot, Marijo Možnik, Matej Tušak https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-04-30
publication date: 2025-04-30
doi: 10.70908/

Musicians, as an Important Building Block of Mediterranean Rural Tourism
type: item
description: This paper looks into the significant role of musicians in improving rural tourism offerings. Rural tourism is one of the main pillars of economic development and cultural preservation as it is a tool that provides jobs, improves the local quality of life, and supports the renovation of historic sites. Through their creativity, musicians safeguard and spread intangible cultural heritage, such as traditional music and dance, which positively influences the financial performance of rural tourism entrepreneurs. Music festivals and events in the countryside are also a great source of rural tourism. They bring in substantial revenue and help form a favourable image of the destination. The events in less-favoured areas have attracted visitors by diversifying tourism offerings and encouraging regional development. Despite this, their success is contingent upon good planning and proper organisation. The study investigates the influences of factors such as state support, proactivity, job satisfaction, luck, and personality traits on the success and development of musicians in Mediterranean countries, specifically in Slovenia and Montenegro. It has been revealed that including cultural resources in tourism strategies makes rural areas more attractive and competitive. Musicians thus play a crucial role in rural tourism by offering unique cultural experiences that lead to the sustainable development of rural areas.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: musicians
  topic: keywords
subject: rural tourism
  topic: keywords
subject: Mediterranean region
  topic: keywords
subject: state support
  topic: keywords
subject: self-confidence
  topic: keywords
creator: Aleksandra Govedarica
creator: Nataša Kraljević
creator: Darko Lacmanović
creator: Urša Lamut
creator: Predrag Ljubotina
creator: Andrej Raspor
creator: Bojan Rojko
creator: Ajda Srdić
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Aleksandra Govedarica, Nataša Kraljević, Darko Lacmanović, Urša Lamut, Predrag Ljubotina, Andrej Raspor, Bojan Rojko, Ajda Srdić https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-04-30
publication date: 2025-04-30
doi: 10.70908/

Abstracts in French, Slovene, and Arabic
type: item
subject: Abstracts
  topic: section
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2024-12-31
publication date: 2024-12-31

Insights into Socioeconomic and Political Transformations in the Euro-Mediterranean Region
type: item
subject: Editorial
  topic: section
creator: Jaka Vadnjal
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Jaka Vadnjal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2024-12-31
publication date: 2024-12-31
doi: 10.70908/2232-6022/17.191-193

Emotional and Social Intelligence and its Impact on the Business Success of Bulgarian Digital Entrepreneurs
type: item
description: The rapid development of digital technologies over the past two decades has created a new economic environment that requires continuous adaptation. However, paradoxically, increasing digitisation emphasises the importance of soft skills such as emotional and social intelligence. The present study aims to empirically analyse the relationship between these skills and the success of Bulgarian digital entrepreneurs. The results show that successful entrepreneurs demonstrate higher levels of emotional and social intelligence, with all its components – self-awareness, self-control, motivation, empathy and social skills – contributing significantly to en​trepreneurial success. The importance of optimism for overcoming challenges in a dynamic digital environment is particularly emphasised. The conclusion is that, despite the specific requirements of digital business, the basic profile of a successful en​tre​preneur remains universal and is characterised by high emotional and social intelligence. Therefore, this study adds value to the literature on entrepreneurship, management, organisational behaviour, and human resource management, while it can contribute to the development of assessment tools, as well as training and development programs for emotional and social intelligence.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: digital entrepreneurship
  topic: keywords
subject: emotional intelligence
  topic: keywords
subject: competencies
  topic: keywords
subject: empathy
  topic: keywords
subject: motivation
  topic: keywords
creator: Ana Todorova
creator: Irina Kostadinova
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Ana Todorova, Irina Kostadinova https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2024-12-31
publication date: 2024-12-31
doi: 10.70908/2232-6022/17.339-362

Post-Crisis Analysis of Media Consumption and Perceptions of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Study of Moroccan Youth in Urban Areas
type: item
description: This study investigates the impact of media consumption habits on the perceptions of the COVID-19 pandemic among Moroccan youth in urban areas. A quantitative method was employed, combining survey data, chi-square tests, correlation analysis, and regression analysis. In total, 872 responses were collected, and the analyses revealed that digital media consumption by Moroccan youth led them to more critical views of the pandemic’s media coverage. The regression analysis showed that the emphasis on the origins of the virus was an important aspect that influenced the respondents' assessment of the coverage. The findings highlight the importance of understanding how different age groups perceive and interpret media coverage during health crises. Effective communication strategies must consider the informational needs and motivations of diverse audiences.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: COVID-19
  topic: keywords
subject: media
  topic: keywords
subject: youth
  topic: keywords
subject: Morocco
  topic: keywords
subject: urban areas
  topic: keywords
creator: Anoire El Attari
creator: Hind Belaziz
creator: Abderrahman Tenkoul
creator: Nouhaila Borass
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Anoire El Attari, Hind Belaziz, Abderrahman Tenkoul, Nouhaila Borass https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2025-06-08
publication date: 2025-06-08
doi: 10.70908/

Abstracts in French, Slovene, and Arabic
type: item
subject: Abstracts
  topic: section
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 International Journal of Euro-Mediterranean Studies https://creativecommons.org/
date: 2024-06-30
publication date: 2024-06-30

Navigating Global Disruptions: Migration, Education, and Labor Markets in a Post-Pandemic World
type: item
subject: Editorial
  topic: section
creator: Jaka Vadnjal
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 Jaka Vadnjal https://creativecommons.org/
date: 2024-06-30
publication date: 2024-06-30

The Impact of the Audit Committee on Financial Performance in Moroccan SMEs: An Empirical Examination
type: item
description: This study investigates the impact of audit committees on the financial performance of Moroccan SMEs, emphasizing the significance of context and its added value. Additionally, it examines the governance system’s influence on audit committee independence and explores variables related to audit committee characteristics. Drawing from a sample of 58 Moroccan SMEs, the study spans a 4-year period from 2018 to 2022. Through the utilization of regression analysis, findings reveal challenges to the audit committee’s total independence, attributed to a dual system and limited committee size. Consequently, Moroccan SMEs audit committees face constraints in fulfilling their responsibilities, particularly in financial statement review, potentially impeding SMEs financial performance and growth. This research contributes to the understanding of governance dynamics within Moroccan SMEs, highlighting the importance of context and offering insights into the complexities of audit committees.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: audit committee
  topic: keywords
subject: financial performance
  topic: keywords
subject: Moroccan SMEs
  topic: keywords
subject: audit quality
  topic: keywords
creator: Hanae Laaroussi
creator: Mohamed Amine Tbatou
creator: Babounia Aziz
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 Hanae Laaroussi; Mohamed Amine Tbatou, Babounia Aziz https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2024-12-31
publication date: 2024-12-31
doi: 10.70908/2232-6022/17.283-312

Innovative Marketing Approaches and Transformation of Slovenian Consumer Behavior During the COVID-19 Pandemic
type: item
description: The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unparalleled difficulties, requiring flexible and adaptive responses from both societies and enterprises. This study aims to analyze new marketing techniques and operational adjustments that have emerged in response to the global crisis, focusing on their impact on customer behavior and purchase choices. Utilizing an abductive paradigm with a sequential exploratory design, we combined qualitative and quantitative research approaches. We gathered data from a sample of 204 Slovenian respondents through an online survey, which underwent rigorous examination using structural equation modeling (SEM). Our findings reveal significant shifts in customer behavior, notably a transition towards online retail platforms. Education also appears to play a crucial role in influencing consumer behavior changes, especially within the pandemic's complex context. Additionally, changes in income distribution directly affect product demand dynamics in the market. The practical significance of this study is emphasized by the actionable suggestions it provides to policymakers and organizations. These recommendations equip them with the necessary understanding to effectively adjust their strategies to meet the changing demands and preferences of customers to prepare for future possible crises.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: COVID-19 pandemic
  topic: keywords
subject: Consumer behavior
  topic: keywords
subject: Online shopping
  topic: keywords
subject: Education
  topic: keywords
subject: Structural modeling equation (SEM)
  topic: keywords
creator: Maja Pucelj
creator: Muhammad Naeem Shahid
creator: Regalla Ravikanth
creator: Samah Adel Ibrahim Mohammed Radwan
creator: Muhammad Malik
creator: Anthony K. Hunt
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Maja Pucelj, Muhammad Naeem Shahid, Regalla Ravikanth, Samah Adel Ibrahim Mohammed Radwan, Muhammad Malik, Anthony K. Hunt https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2024-12-31
publication date: 2024-12-31
doi: 10.70908/2232-6022/17.195-234

Democratization in Tunisia: Negotiating the Interplay of Policy and Economic Development
type: item
description: This study examines the implications of the Tunisian revolution in 2011 and its subsequent democratic evolution within the context of prerequisites for democratic transition during the Arab Spring. The inquiry delves into two primary dimensions: firstly, an exploration of the objective rationales and contributing factors leading to the impediments in Tunisia’s democratic metamorphosis. This involves identifying the elements of foreign intervention and the political and social forces that have played a role in the setback, with specific emphasis on entities such as the Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT), media outlets, civil society organizations, and influential entities within the bureaucratic administration. Secondly, the study seeks to assess the economic advancements that have fallen short of anticipated outcomes, evident in the decline across various economic indicators and the deteriorating socioeconomic landscape, foreshadowing an imminent economic crisis with profound social and security implications. The research contends that attributing the developmental setbacks, economic downturn, and insufficient economic progress alone cannot be solely accountable for impeding the trajectory of democratic transformation in Tunisia. It is imperative to also comprehend the pivotal role played by ideological conflicts and the inadequate consolidation of democratic culture.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Democratic transition
  topic: keywords
subject: economic development
  topic: keywords
subject: Mediterranean country
  topic: keywords
subject: Arab spring
  topic: keywords
subject: Tunisia
  topic: keywords
creator: Noureddine Selmi
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Noureddine Selmi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2024-12-31
publication date: 2024-12-31
doi: 10.70908/2232-6022/17.259-282

The Impact of Tourism, Foreign Direct Investment, Trade, Economic Growth, and Renewable Energy on Carbon Emissions: The Case of Mediterranean Countries
type: item
description: In this study, we examine the influence of international tourism, trade, foreign direct investment, economic growth and renewable energy consumption on CO2 emissions in 17 Mediterranean countries, spanning the period 1995–2018, by using heterogeneous panel estimation techniques. The findings show that economic growth has a strong impact on carbon dioxide emissions. Our results are in favor of the existence of an inverted U-shaped Environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) in Mediterranean countries. In addition, the econometric results indicate that international tourism, trade openness, FDI, and renewable energy consumption have a negative impact on carbon dioxide emissions. Moreover, the Dumitrescu and Hurlin panel Granger causality test suggests that there is a two-way causality between CO2 emissions and the other variables explored (international tourism, openness, FDI, renewable energy consumption and real income) and a oneway causality running from renewable energy consumption and trade openness to real income. Therefore, the development of international trade in the field of renewable energies and the exploitation of these energies in the field of tourism and FDI can be favorable to economic growth and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: tourism
  topic: keywords
subject: trade
  topic: keywords
subject: foreign direct investment
  topic: keywords
subject: economic growth
  topic: keywords
subject: renewable energy
  topic: keywords
subject: CO2 emissions
  topic: keywords
creator: Younesse El Menyari
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 Younesse El Menyari https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2024-12-31
publication date: 2024-12-31
doi: 10.70908/2232-6022/17.313-337

Integrating Spirituality and Politics: Insights from Islam and Christianity on Religiosity and Governance in Contemporary Society
type: item
description: The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between the spiritual and the political in contemporary times through an analysis of two contrasting approaches linking the spiritual and political spheres. This is achieved through an examination of religious values, spiritual beliefs, political objectives, and an exploration of Sufism’s interconnectedness between the spiritual and political realms. The study also examines the religious foundations of the Moroccan model of religiosity characterized by the institution of the Commandery of the Faithful and its principles in modern governance, with a focus on integrating spiritual values into leadership for societal harmony. The findings of this research, based on an analytical study of literary theories and a comparative study of governance and spirituality in Islam and Christianity, underscore the crucial importance of balancing spirituality and politics to address modern socio-economic and environmental challenges. The study also emphasizes the significance of balanced governance that respects religious diversity spiritual insights, and value-driven leadership for societal well-being.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Leadership
  topic: keywords
subject: politics
  topic: keywords
subject: spiritual
  topic: keywords
subject: society
  topic: keywords
subject: sufism
  topic: keywords
subject: commandery of the faithful
  topic: keywords
subject: morocco
  topic: keywords
creator: Othman Sqalli Houssaini
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Othman Sqalli Houssaini https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
date: 2024-12-31
publication date: 2024-12-31
doi: 10.70908/2232-6022/17.235-258

The Effects of Job Retention Schemes on Employment Preservation during the COVID-19 Epidemic in Euro Area Countries
type: item
description: In this paper, we analyse the effects different job retention (JR) schemes take-ups on the preservation of employment during the COVID-19 pandemic in euro area countries. We find that JR schemes in euro area countries helped reduce job losses during the pandemic. The most effective at preserving employment were take-ups of the most extensively updated pre-existing short-time work (STW) schemes that were more generous and included nonstandard workers. However, the impact of JR schemes was less than the overall employment preservation achieved. In contrast to the Great Recession, macroeconomic measures of economic support have helped preserve jobs during the pandemic as well. Corresponding differences in sectoral employment preservation effects show that such macroeconomic support led to more jobs being kept, by far the most in the group of vulnerable service sectors.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: COVID-19 pandemic
  topic: keywords
subject: Job retention (JR) schemes
  topic: keywords
subject: short-time work schemes (STW)
  topic: keywords
subject: macroeconomic measures
  topic: keywords
creator: Anton Rop
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 Anton Rop https://creativecommons.org/
date: 2024-06-30
publication date: 2024-06-30

Internationalisation at Home: Intercultural Engagement of Students in Extracurricular Activities; MED2IaH Case Study
type: item
description: This study explores the role of extracurricular activities in enhancing students’ intercultural abilities, using the MED2IaA Erasmus+ CBHE project as a case study. Conducted between 2020 and 2023 across 12 higher education institutions in non-eu Southern Mediterranean countries, the project aimed to integrate international and intercultural aspects into local education. The concept of ‘Internationalisation at Home’ (IaH) is highlighted, emphasizing the inclusion of global learning opportunities within the curriculum and campus life for all students. The study finds that specific extracurricular activities, such as digital storytelling, intercultural events, and the friends Tea-Houses, significantly contribute to IaH by fostering intercultural engagement and understanding. The research concludes that these initiatives effectively promote intercultural competencies, enhance communication and teamwork skills, and provide valuable insights into managing cultural collaborations, thereby supporting the internationalisation goals of higher education institutions.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: intercultural activities
  topic: keywords
subject: diverse-university atmosphere
  topic: keywords
subject: internationalisation within a domestic setting
  topic: keywords
creator: Nada Trunk Širca
creator: Anica Novak Trunk
creator: Karim Moustaghfir
creator: Dorsaf Ben Malek
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 Nada Trunk Širca, Anica Novak Trunk, Karim Moustaghfir, Dorsaf Ben Malek https://creativecommons.org/
date: 2024-06-30
publication date: 2024-06-30

Case Studies of COVID-19 Pandemic Affecting Early-Career Scientists’ Mobility within theMediterranean Blue Economy Sector
type: item
description: The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted scientific international mobility, particularly for early-career scientists (ECSs). This paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the challenges faced by ECSs in the Mediterranean region during the pandemic, specifically focusing on scientific mobility. Additionally, the study will explore the implications of the pandemic on the career trajectories of ECSs and the long-term effects on scientific research and academia in the Mediterranean. We incorporate individual experiences of three researchers, providing first-hand insights into the challenges and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. These personal experiences enrich the paper by offering a nuanced understanding of the practical implications and emotional aspects associated with the discussed issues.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: scientific mobility
  topic: keywords
subject: early-career scientists
  topic: keywords
subject: Mediterranean region
  topic: keywords
subject: blue economy
  topic: keywords
subject: COVID-19 pandemic
  topic: keywords
creator: jihene Nouairi
creator: Alice Affatati
creator: Giorgia Rivoira
creator: Sergio Rejado Albaina
creator: Mounir Ghribi
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 jihene Nouairi, Alice Affatati, Giorgia Rivoira, Sergio Rejado Albaina, Mounir Ghribi https://creativecommons.org/
date: 2024-06-30
publication date: 2024-06-30

The Use of Analytic Hierarchy Process forMeasuring National Interests: Demonstrating the Case Study of the Changing Relevance of Libya for Italian Foreign Policy between 2011–2021
type: item
description: The study employs the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to quantitatively assess the Italian national interests over a 10-year period (2011– 2021) within the context of five states along the southern Mediterranean coast. By adopting a longitudinal approach, this research investigates the dynamics and relative significance of each state, thereby shedding light on potential shifts in Italy’s foreign policy. The study introduces a comprehensive methodology for visualizing and analyzing national interests, offering valuable insights into the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Mediterranean region. The findings highlight the changing patterns and relative importance of these interests over the examined period, uncovering subtle shifts in Italy’s strategic outlook. By offering a detailed examination of the Mediterranean region, this study presents a detailed understanding of the complex interplay between Italian national interests and the geopolitical dynamics of neighboring states. The visualization of this data provides an overview of the evolving relationships and power dynamics, facilitating informed decision-making and policy formulation.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: national interests
  topic: keywords
subject: Italy
  topic: keywords
subject: Mediterranean
  topic: keywords
subject: foreign policy
  topic: keywords
subject: Analytic Hierarchy Process
  topic: keywords
creator: Lili Takacs
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 Lili Takacs https://creativecommons.org/
date: 2024-06-30
publication date: 2024-06-30

Abstracts in French, Slovene, and Arabic
type: item
subject: Abstracts
  topic: section
rights: Copyright (c) 2023 International Journal of Euro-Mediterranean Studies https://creativecommons.org/
date: 2023-12-31
publication date: 2023-12-31