ijems | editorial InsightsintoSocioeconomic andPoliticalTransformations intheEuro-MediterraneanRegion jaka vadnjal Euro-MediterraneanUniversity,Slovenia jaka.vadnjal@emuni.si ©2024JakaVadnjal https://doi.org/10.70908/2232-6022/17.191-193 TheInternational Journal of Euro-Mediterranean Studies is proud to present a diverse collection of articles that address pressing issues shaping the socioeconomic, political, and cultural landscapes of the Euro-Mediterranean region. From the evolving consumer behaviours driven by global crises to the interplay of politics, religion, and eco- nomic development, this issue highlights critical research that con- tributes to our understanding of a region characterized by both its historicalrichnessandcontemporarychallenges. ‘Innovative Marketing Approaches and Transformation of Slovenian ConsumerBehaviourDuringthe covid-19Pandemic.’ Puceljetal. provide a timely and insightful analysis of consumer behaviour in Sloveniaduringthecovid-19pandemic.Thestudyexploresinnova- tive marketing strategies that emerged as businesses adapted to un- precedenteddisruptions.Theauthorsemphasizehowdigitaltransfor- mationandcreative engagementstrategiesreshapedconsumerhabits and preferences. By identifying key behavioural shifts and adaptive practices, this research offers valuable lessons for businesses navigat- ingpost-pandemicrecovery.Importantly,thestudysituatesSlovenia’s experience within a broader global context, demonstrating how agile marketingapproachescanfosterresilienceduringperiodsofeconomic uncertainty. ‘IntegratingSpiritualityandPolitics:InsightsfromtheMoroccanModel of Religiosity and Governance in Contemporary Society.’ Houssaini’s explorationofMorocco’suniquemodelofreligiosityandgovernanceis asignificantcontributiontothestudyofpoliticsandspiritualityinthe volume 17 | 2024 | number 2 | 191–193 [192] Jaka Vadnjal region.Thearticledelvesintotheintegrationofreligiousvalueswithin Morocco’s political framework, offering a nuanced understanding of howspiritualityshapesgovernance.ByanalysingMorocco’sapproach, the study underscores the potential for coexistence between modern political systems and traditional religious structures. This insightful work not only advances scholarly discussions on religion and politics but also highlights Morocco as a model of stability and innovation in theArabworld. ‘Democratization in Tunisia: Negotiating the Interplay of Policy and Economic Development.’ Selmi’s article examines the complex rela- tionship between policy and economic development during Tunisia’s democratic transition. Tunisia’s experience as a post-Arab Spring na- tionismarkedbybothhopeandchallenges,asthestudyreveals.Selmi highlightsthepolicydebatesthathaveemergedinthewakeofTunisia’s democratization, particularly those related to economic reforms and growth. The article sheds light on the controversies surrounding gov- ernance, policy implementation, and socioeconomicdisparities, offer- ing critical reflections on the successes and shortcomings of Tunisia’s transitionaljourney.Thisworkisessentialforpolicymakersandschol- ars seeking to understand the intricate dynamics of democratization andeconomictransformation. ‘The Impact oftheAuditCommittee on FinancialPerformance inMo- roccan smes: An Empirical Examination.’ In their empirical study, Laaroussi et al. investigate the role of audit committees in enhancing thefinancialperformanceofMoroccansmallandmedium-sizedenter- prises(smes).Theresearchunderscorestheimportanceofstrongcor- porategovernancemechanismsinfosteringtransparency,accountabil- ity, and financial stability. By examining Moroccan smes, the study provides robust evidence that effective audit committees contribute significantlytoimprovedfinancialoutcomes.Thefindingsareparticu- larlyrelevantforemergingeconomies,where smes playavitalrolein economic growth and employment. This article makes a valuable con- tribution to the discourse on corporate governance and its impact on businesssuccessintheEuro-Mediterraneancontext. ‘The Impact of Tourism, Foreign Direct Investment, Trade, Economic Growth,andRenewableEnergyonCarbonEmission.’ ElMenyari’sre- search addresses one of the most pressing global challenges: the rela- ijems InsightsintoSocioeconomicandPoliticalTransformations [193] tionship between economic growth and environmental sustainability. Focusing on tourism, foreign direct investment, trade, and renewable energy, the study examines their collective impact on carbon emis- sions. Using case-specific analysis, the author highlights the delicate balance between fostering economic growth and mitigating environ- mental harm. This research is particularly timely as nations across theEuro-Mediterraneanregiongrapplewithsustainabledevelopment goals.Byemphasizingtheroleofrenewableenergy,thestudyprovides actionable insightsfor policymakers seekingto aligneconomicstrate- gieswithenvironmentalpriorities. ‘EmotionalandSocialIntelligenceandItsImpactontheBusinessSuc- cess of Bulgarian Enterprises.’ Todorova et al. explore the critical role ofemotionalandsocialintelligenceindrivingbusinesssuccessinBul- garia. The study highlights how leaders’ emotional awareness, empa- thy,andinterpersonalskillscontributetoorganizationalperformance and competitiveness. By analysing Bulgarian enterprises, the authors demonstratethatemotionalandsocialintelligencearenotmerelysoft skills but strategic assets that foster employee engagement, innova- tion,andbusinessgrowth.Thisresearchbridgesthegapbetweenpsy- chologyandbusinessstudies,offeringpracticalimplicationsforleaders andmanagersaimingtoenhanceorganizationaloutcomes. Thearticlesfeaturedinthisissuecollectivelyreflectthediverseanddy- namic challenges facing the Euro-Mediterranean region. Whether ad- dressingeconomicresilience,governance,democratization,orenviron- mentalsustainability,eachstudycontributesvaluableinsightsthatad- vanceourunderstandingofthismultifacetedregion.Byexaminingcase studiesfromSlovenia,Morocco,Tunisia,andBulgaria,theauthorspro- videbothlocalizedandgloballyrelevantperspectives. We hope that this issue inspires further research and dialogue among scholars, policymakers, and practitioners committed to fos- tering progress in the Euro-Mediterranean space. As we navigate the complexitiesofarapidlychangingworld,theknowledgesharedinthese articles serves as a foundation for informed decision-making and in- novativesolutions. volume 17 | 2024 | number 2