Revista de Economie Mondiala/ Journal of Global Economics

36-53

Authors: Alina Ligia Dumitrescu, Iulia Monica Oehler Şincai

This paper looks at the concept of the European pillar of social rights and focuses on its achievements, but also the associated challenges during the mandate of the European Commission led by Jean-Claude Juncker. The analysis starts with the presentation of the general context leading to the need to develop a social pillar of the European Union (EU). It continues with the description of the 20 principles defining the European pillar of social rights, and finally addresses the main area of action: gender equality and access to the labour market. The main conclusions derived by the authors emphasize that the European pillar of social rights can play an important role in addressing more effectively the complex problems facing the EU, and is a step forward to a better governance of social policies at Community level. The research methodology is based on the analysis of the statistical data provided by the Eurostat, as well as a qualitative analysis relying on EU documents in this field.

69-80

Authors: Florin Bonciu

Over the last century, the Romanian economy has passed through numerous transformations, marked by dramatic changes in terms of area, population, ideological and doctrinal orientations. During this period, the options regarding international economic relations have been influenced by the level of development, the political system, the main forces and groups within the Romanian economy and society, but also by the international context specific to each period. The Romanian economic thinking has attempted to disentangle the regional, European and global trends and identify the efficient and sustainable ways for integrating Romania into the international economic landscape. However, the Romanian economic thinking proved to be less active and original after 1990. Maybe a period of adjustment to so many changes and transitions was necessary to obtain a larger perspective. In order to face all these challenges and find its place in the newly emerging world, Romania needs to review its 20th century history and rediscover both itself and its meaning, to be able to formulate visions, strategies and programs required by the 21st century information-based economy.