Revista de Economie Mondiala/ Journal of Global Economics

3-11

Authors: Andrei Rădulescu

The dynamics of the global economy improved in 2017 under the influence of the expansionary policy mix in the US and Euroland, as well as the wave of optimism across the international financial markets. An acceleration of fixed investments in the United States may be noticed, given the expected effects of the fiscal reform implemented by the Trump administration. At the same time, GDP in the Euroland rose at its highest pace since 2007, due to the expansionary monetary policy promoted by the European Central Bank and the accelerating global economy. This paper gives a brief review of the recent developments in the global economy, the United States and Euroland, as well as the prospects for 2018.

32-48

Authors: Manuela Unguru

The Global Competitiveness Index GCI developed by the World Economic Forum is currently a wellknown and most appreciated tool for assessing global competitiveness. This article takes advantage of the complexity and richness of information embedded in this composite indicator to analyze the main challenges arising for the sustainability of growth from the perspective of global competitiveness indicators. After a brief review of the European Union (EU) member states’ current state in terms of competitiveness, the investigation is focused on the performance and dynamics of the various competitiveness determinants, that explain, on the one hand, the poor ranking of Romania in the world competitiveness scoreboard and represent, on the other hand, major barriers to sustainable development.

66-77

Authors: Alina Ligia Dumitrescu

This article addresses the Energy Union from the perspective of energy efficiency. The research has a multidisciplinary character, which implies an economic analysis of an empirical type, but also a theoretical approach to the benefits of energy efficiency. The author analyzes the impact of the new energy regulations on efficiency in the European Union (EU), namely the in-depth review of the Directive on Buildings Energy Performance, the new heating and cooling strategy for the intelligent transformation of this sector, as well as the strategy for protecting vulnerable consumers. The effects of the new energy efficiency regulations are more significant in a number of Member States, but as soon as these will be applied throughout the EU, the beneficial effects of increased energy efficiency are likely to be felt in the entire EU area.