Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Milan Hudak Author-Name-First: Milan Author-Name-Last: Hudak Author-Email: hudm04@vse.cz Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics, University of Economics, Prague, Czech Republic Title: European Gas Market Structure Abstract: Focusing on the evolving roles of stakeholders and price-setting mechanisms, this paper sheds light on how the European Union gas market has shifted from dominant oil-linked contracts to a more diversified, market-driven system. Producers, TSOs, DSOs, shippers, traders, and consumers all contribute to a complex network in which efficient balancing is crucial to maintaining continuous gas flows. The maturing of gas hubs, particularly TTF and THE, has fostered spot and short-term trading, thereby offering enhanced liquidity and flexibility and introducing new forms of price volatility. EU-level policies, including unbundling requirements and harmonised network codes, have underpinned these developments, shaping transparent risk management strategies, derivatives trading, and storage usage. Although increased competition has yielded benefits in pricing and reliability, persistent regional discrepancies, such as varying infrastructure investment levels and differences in balancing practices, continue to influence Classification-JEL: L95, Q48, O13 Keywords: EU Gas Market; Market Liberalization; Gas Infrastructure; Energy Policy & Regulation; TTF; Gas Markets Journal: International Journal of Social Sciences Pages: 1-22 Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Year: 2025 Month: December File-URL: https://eurrec.org/ijoss-article-117134 File-URL: https://eurrec.org/ijoss-article-117134?download=1 Handle: RePEc:aop:jijoss:v:14:y:2025:i:1:p:1-22 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Mariam Jibuti Author-Name-First: Mariam Author-Name-Last: Jibuti Author-Email: Mariami.Jibuti382@eab.tsu.edu.ge Author-Workplace-Name: Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University Title: Enhancing Regional Development in Georgia: Integrating Functional Spatial Planning and Land Use Modeling for Sustainable Economic Growth Abstract: Regional development represents a fundamental pillar of economic growth, territorial cohesion, and sustainable resource management. As Georgia continues to navigate economic and political transitions, spatial-territorial planning emerges as a strategic tool for fostering balanced regional development and minimizing socio-economic disparities. This study examines the role of functional spatial planning in regional economic sustainability by conducting a comparative analysis of planning methodologies implemented in four EU member states—Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Sweden. The research explores the theoretical underpinnings of spatial zoning, evaluates the effectiveness of various land-use planning strategies, and assesses economic incentives for regional development. Additionally, the study integrates qualitative methods, including expert interviews and stakeholder surveys, to provide policy recommendations tailored to Georgia’s specific development context. The findings suggest that adopting an integrated spatial planning framework, leveraging data-driven land-use modeling, and implementing sustainability-oriented economic incentives can significantly enhance Georgia’s regional economic resilience.This research was supported by Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia (SRNSFG) [grant number: YS-24-308] Classification-JEL: R11, O21, Q01 Keywords: Regional Development, Planning Models, Sustainable Development Journal: International Journal of Social Sciences Pages: 23-34 Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Year: 2025 Month: December File-URL: https://eurrec.org/ijoss-article-117136 File-URL: https://eurrec.org/ijoss-article-117136?download=2 Handle: RePEc:aop:jijoss:v:14:y:2025:i:1:p:23-34 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Giuli Keshelashvili Author-Name-First: Giuli Author-Name-Last: Keshelashvili Author-Email: giuli.keshelashvili@tsu.ge Author-Workplace-Name: Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University Title: Sustainable Business Practices in Georgian SMEs: Assessment, Needs, and Strategic Perspectives Abstract: This paper explores the integration of sustainable business practices within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as a catalyst for regional economic development in Georgia. Against the backdrop of global environmental and socio-economic pressures, the study situates sustainability as a critical strategic consideration for SMEs operating across diverse Georgian regions. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines quantitative survey data from 240 SMEs across Guria, Kakheti, and Tbilisi with qualitative insights to assess the current state of environmental awareness, sustainability integration, and institutional support.The findings reveal considerable heterogeneity in SMEs’ awareness of their environmental impacts, with material use (e.g., paper, plastics) being more readily acknowledged than more systemic concerns such as energy use, carbon emissions, and land degradation. Notably, a significant proportion of SMEs underestimate their environmental footprint, suggesting a pervasive gap in sustainability literacy. Moreover, the study uncovers a widespread lack of awareness regarding government initiatives supporting sustainable practices—only 5% of respondents could name a relevant program—indicating a serious communication and policy implementation deficit.Institutional weaknesses are further highlighted by SMEs’ perceived lack of regulatory enforcement, minimal financial incentives, and the absence of structured technical support. Despite this, the research identifies a clear demand for financial incentives and individualized consulting, suggesting that targeted policy interventions could catalyze more sustainable operational behavior. Drawing on successful international models from Austria, Germany, and Japan, the study proposes policy recommendations including the establishment of innovation hubs, community engagement mechanisms, and robust public-private partnerships.The theoretical framework underpinning this study draws from the Triple Bottom Line, Circular Economy, and Multi-Level Perspective (MLP) approaches, while also incorporating institutional theories on change and embeddedness. These frameworks help explain the interplay between economic behavior, institutional capacity, and socio-cultural dynamics in shaping sustainability transitions.This research contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable development by providing an empirically grounded, context-specific analysis of how sustainability can be effectively localized within transitional economies. It underscores the necessity of adaptive, regionally differentiated policy frameworks to support SMEs in becoming agents of sustainable growth. Ultimately, the study argues that the convergence of business innovation, institutional support, and localized strategies is essential to align Georgia’s economic development trajectory with environmental and social imperatives. Classification-JEL: L26, Q56, O32 Keywords: Sustainability; Economic Development; Regional Growth; SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises); Eco-Innovation Journal: International Journal of Social Sciences Pages: 35-51 Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Year: 2025 Month: December File-URL: https://eurrec.org/ijoss-article-117138 File-URL: https://eurrec.org/ijoss-article-117138?download=3 Handle: RePEc:aop:jijoss:v:14:y:2025:i:1:p:35-51