Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Issues is a peer-reviewed journal which publishes original research papers and case studies

The present work aims to fill the gaps in existing research on the application of machine learning in fraud detection and management in the banking sector. It provides a theoretical perspective on the evolution of algorithms, highlights practical aspects, and derives relevant metrics for evaluating their performance on unbalanced data. In the growing context of artificial intelligence, the adoption of an innovative, systematic approach to studying fraud in banking transactions through advanced machine learning algorithms is completely positive for the overall accuracy and effectiveness of risk management and has really practical and applied significance. The proven methodology (Classification and Regression Trees, Gradient Boosting, and Extreme Gradient Boosting) was tested on nearly 1.5 million in the banking sector, confirming the observations related to the application of fundamental assessments and specialized statistical methods through machine learning algorithms, demonstrating superior discriminatory power compared to classical models. The development provides valuable insights for managers, researchers, and policymakers aiming to strengthen the security and resilience of banking systems in times of evolving financial fraud challenges.

The main research question addressed in the paper is related to the possibility of medium-term forecasting of the public debts of the EU member states. The analysis focuses on a broad range of indicators (macroeconomic, fiscal, monetary, global, and convergence) that influence the public debt levels of the EU member states. A machine learning prediction model using random forest regression was approbated with the empirical data. The algorithm was applied in two iterations—a primary iteration with 33 indicators and a secondary iteration with the 8 most significant indicators in terms of their influence and forecasting importance regarding the development of public debt across the EU. The research identifies a change in the medium term (2023–2024) in the group of the four most indebted EU member states, viz., that Spain will be replaced by France, which is an even more systemic economy, and will thus increase the group’s share of the EU’s GDP. The results indicate a logical scenario of rising interest rates with adverse effects for the fiscal imbalances, which will require serious reforms in the public sector of the most indebted EU member states.

Circular economy is a new area of academic knowledge, which requires the development of both new learning content and elaboration of the methodology used in teaching the subject matter. This paper supports the view that the educational process comprises several key components that work together to facilitate effective teaching and learning. These components may vary depending on the broader context and the specific objectives and approaches used. Thus, when planning the circular economy teaching process, it is essential to formulate what we want to achieve (learning objectives) in the specific context of the subject taught. On this basis, the paper aims to present in a discussion plan the main components of the methodology for academic teaching on the problems of the circular economy

His study aims to present the framework for the implementation of an Erasmus+ project in which higher education institutions from Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Serbia are partnering. The project focuses on the circular economy from Ch. point of three important subjects: academia, business and society. Through a deductive method of research, the main stages of development of the project in its first year are presented. The main result is reaching a curriculum of an academic course for teaching the issues of circular economy to students with a profile in administration, management and economic sciences. In the search for sigergy between academic centers on the Balkan Peninsula, three levels of project results are reached: Reference book on Circular Economy for teachers, Repertory on Circular Economy for students, Handbook on Circular Economy Challenges to business and society.