SOCIAL AND TERRITORIAL IMPACTS OF THE INTEGRATED PARTICIPATION PROGRAMME IN BELA VISTA

This study examines the impact and effectiveness of the Integrated Participation and Development Programme “Our Neighbourhood, Our City”, implemented by the Municipality of Setúbal in the city’s public housing neighbourhoods. The research specifically focuses on residents’ perceptions of the programme’s outcomes, emphasising improvements in the neighbourhoods’ public image, quality of life, and social cohesion. A mixed-methods approach was adopted to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the programme’s effects. The methodology combined strategic tools such as SWOT analysis and problem tree construction with empirical instruments, including a questionnaire administered to 129 residents and a focus group involving representatives from the different neighbourhoods. This triangulation allowed both quantitative and qualitative insights into the social, symbolic, and relational transformations generated by the programme. The findings indicate that 93% of respondents recognised the programme’s contribution to enhancing the neighbourhoods’ image, with significant improvements noted in neighbourly relations, communication between residents, perceived safety, and the maintenance of shared spaces. Cultural, educational, and health-related initiatives were also perceived as positively impacting community life. The programme demonstrates a capacity to strengthen social cohesion, foster community engagement, and promote a sense of collective responsibility among residents. Overall, the research concludes that the programme represents a best practice in social intervention, highlighting the decisive role of community participation in transforming territories historically marked by stigmatisation and social exclusion.

Susana PESCADA - Professor Assistant, Universidade do Algarve, CinTurs - Research Center for Tourism Sustainability and Well-being, Portugal, spescada@ualg.pt

Liliana CORREIA - Professor Assistant, Universidade do Algarve, Portugal, lcorrela@ualg.pt

Fernando TEIXEIRA - Professor Assistant, Instituto Politécnico de Beja, Ci2 - Smart Cities Research Center – IPT, Portugal, fernando.teixeira@ipbeja.pt

Filipos RUXHO, - Professor Assistant, Department of Business and Management Universum International College, Kosovo, filip.ruxho@universum-ks.org (Corresponding Author)

R10, R50

BUDGET DEFICIT - ITS IMPACT ON THE ALBANIAN REGIONAL ECONOMY AND SOME FACTORS THAT HAS INFLUENCE

A budget deficit is a financial situation where the government's expenditures exceed its revenues for a specified period, usually a fiscal year. Albania recorded a Government Budget deficit equal to 1.40 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product in 2023. Government Budget in Albania averaged -5.58 percent of GDP from 1993 until 2023, reaching an all time high of -1.40 percent of GDP in 2023 and a record low of - 12.60 percent of GDP in 1997. This deficit must be financed from other sources, often through borrowing. The budget deficit is a common phenomenon in modern economies, but when it is persistent and high, it can create major challenges for a country 's economy. The study of the budget deficit is essential to understand the fiscal health of an economy and to assess its effects on various macroeconomic variables, such as economic growth, inflation, and unemployment. In particular, persistent deficits can lead to a sustainable public debt that can limit a country's ability to finance public services and invest in long-term development. The purpose of this topic is to analyze in depth the budget deficit, the causes that lead to its creation, and the impact it has on a country's economy. This includes an examination of the factors that influence the budget deficit and the strategies that can be used to manage and reduce it. Through case studies, concrete examples from different countries will be examined to illustrate the impacts and possible solutions. In conclusion, this paper aims to provide practical recommendations for policy makers and researchers to improve fiscal management and reduce the negative impacts of the budget deficit. in economics.

Ismet VOKA - Professor Assistatn, Departament of Economics, University Business College, Tirana, Albania. is-voka@hotmail.com

Rezart DIBRA - Professor Assistant, Departament of Economics, University Business College, Tirana, Albania. rezartdibra@yahoo.com

E60, F10, G10, R10

SOCIAL PROTECTION IN GREECE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT LEAVING NO ONE BEHIND

Sustainable development leaving no one behind and social protection in line with its institutional framework are crucial for the well-being of local communities. The literature shows, however, that a general and growing recognition of sustainable development alone does not provide equal opportunities to different segments of society. Our research found that in Greece regions and local communities clearly have an important role to play in the development of new social protection policies for sustainable and inclusive growth. The key challenges for defining inclusive and sustainable development for social protection policies in Greece are highlighted. Reforms are proposed for inclusive and sustainable development policies that are likely to contribute to regional and local social protection. The conclusions identify key reform principles that will promote a holistic social protection policy in the context of local sustainable development leaving no one behind.

Anastasios SEPETIS - Professor Assistant, Department of Business Administration, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece. tsepet@uniwa.gr

Algis KRUPAVIÄŒIUS - Professor, Faculty of Public Governance, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania. algis.krupavicius@mruni.eu, (Corresponding Author)

Christos Ap. LADIAS - Professor, Regional Science Inquiry Journal ladias@rsijournal.eu

R10, Q01, Q50, G10, G30, H10, H30, H70