Romanian Journal of Public Affairs (RJPA) is aiming to promote interdisciplinary research in governance, public administration, public affairs, public policy, law, economics and finance, following the philosophy of international interdisciplinary journals. RJPA is an open access journal. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.
Canonical Autonomy and Political Sovereignty: Romanian Orthodoxy Between Ecclesiastical Law and Modern Public Law in the Nineteenth Century
The article analyzes the process through which the Romanian Orthodox Church acquired autocephaly from both the perspective of canon law and that of modern public law, highlighting the convergence between the affirmation of state sovereignty and ecclesiastical reorganization in the nineteenth century. The study demonstrates that autocephaly functioned simultaneously as an ecclesiastical canonical institution and as a legal-political expression of the Romanian nation-state.
Copyright (c) 2025 Cristian ȘTEFAN (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Review of the Book "An Alternative Guide To The Effective Parliamentarian" By Valeriu Antonovici
Copyright (c) 2025 Florin Marius POPA (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Can Institutionalism Explain Constraints That Are Slowing Down Digital Transformation?
The undergoing process of digitalizing public services all around the world is probably the biggest challenge the public sector has encountered this century and at the same time facing serious setbacks and problems in all the countries going through it. No matter if we talk about simple data digitization or actual digital transformation of entire systems and organizations, the digital change comes as a major threat to existing institutions that have been part of the public system for decades and should be addressed not only as a matter of resources and access to digital tools, but also as a phenomena that affects most of the rules and norms that public servants have been following so far, causing organizational change. This article wishes to address the topic of digitalization in the public sector from an institutional point of view, trying to understand if the already existing norms might pose as a setback for organizational change and if taking them into consideration might contribute to a faster, easier and more efficient process, explain and prevent certain possible setbacks. The first chapters will present a small theoretical introduction regarding digitalization, institutionalism and organizational change as main concepts, along with examples relevant for the present discussion, followed by a short description of interviews conducted with public servants in Romania, in an attempt to understand what main difficulties are they experiencing in the process of digitalizing public services and how much of their reluctancy comes from the existing sets of norms and habits, or from actual educational or resource related problems.
Copyright (c) 2025 Andra CĂRĂUȘU (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Socio-Economic and Political Determinants of ‘Japa’ Syndrome: The Emergent Plight and Flight of the Productive Nigerian Youth
The current youth migration in Nigeria, often colloquially referred to as “Japa Syndrome” in Nigeria, has become a significant socio-economic phenomenon with far-reaching implications for both individuals and society. This study investigates determining factors driving Japa syndrome type of migration among Nigerian youths. The study adopted an exploratory research design and a qualitative method. The study utilized that convenience sampling method to select 40 people whose ages were between 18 and 35 years. The data were gathered through in-depth interviews and thematically analyzed. The findings reveal a complex interplay of economic, social, political, and transnational factors shaping migration decisions among Nigerian youths. Economic factors, including high unemployment rates, stagnant wages, and limited job opportunities, emerged as primary push factors prompting migration, while social factors such as educational attainment, family background, and peer influence also played crucial roles. Moreover, political instability and governance failures were identified as contributing factors driving youths to seek opportunities abroad. Base on the findings, the study proposes a series of policy recommendations to address the socioeconomic determinants of Japa Syndrome migration among Nigerian youths.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Okunola, John Lola (Author); Nil (Translator) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Community Policing and Security Administration in Nigeria
This study examined the impact of community policing on security administration in Akwa Ibom State, focusing on how a problem-solving approach, police-community partnerships, and organizational transformation influenced security outcomes. The research was grounded in Social Resource Theory, which emphasized the importance of establishing a collaborative and supportive relationship between the police and the community. Using both documentary method and open-ended interview the data gathered provided a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between community policing and security issues in Nigeria with a focus on Akwa Ibom State. The objectives were to examine the effect of problem-solving approaches, the impact of police-community partnerships, and the influence of organizational transformation on the effectiveness of security administration. The findings indicated that community policing, when integrated with proactive problem-solving and active community engagement, significantly enhanced security outcomes. It was recommended that security agencies in Akwa Ibom State prioritize regular training on community relations, invest in building partnerships with local stakeholders, and support local vigilante groups in ways that aligned with legal standards and promoted mutual accountability.
Copyright (c) 2025 Edet Joshua TOM, David Lawrence UDOFA, Eno Kingsley EDET (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Thinking Beyond the Moral Foundation of Political Corruption: Kwame Gyekye in Perspective
This paper examines the moral foundation of political corruption analysed by Kwame Gyekye with the goal of offering a pragmatic solution to the phenomenon. The aim is that, beyond the moral foundation, the pragmatic approach will aid the eradication, or considerably minimize the problem of political corruption in the human society. It posits that what most philosophers and social scientists write concerning the nature and extent of political corruption can be categorised as normative, which supports the view that political corruption is enshrined in morality. Looking beyond the realm of theory, the paper argues that there are practical ways to view the issue under consideration. The study submits that (i) the negative impacts which political corruption has on the society causes practical problems than moral, and (ii) that political corruption needs practical/pragmatic solutions than the moral/theoretical ones provided by Gyekye. The study adopts the method of conceptual analysis and clarification.
Copyright (c) 2025 David A. OYEDOLA, Olusola Victor OLANIPEKUN (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Key Performance Indicators as Instruments of Strategic Change: Evidence from the Romanian Public Sector
This article explores the use of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) as tools of strategic change in the Romanian public sector. Situated within the broader literature on public management reform, it examines how performance measurement instruments can be mobilized to enhance accountability and support organizational transformation. The study employs a mixed-methods design, combining semi-structured interviews, documentary analysis, and observational research, to investigate the introduction of a KPI-based appraisal system in the cadastral and urbanism departments of Piatra Neamț City Hall (2021-2023). By linking theoretical insights on change management with empirical evidence from a local government case, the article seeks to illuminate the conditions under which KPIs may contribute to institutional learning, performance improvement, and sustainable reform. In doing so, it advances both academic understanding and practical debates on the design and application of performance indicators in transitional administrative contexts.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ioana Alexandra ANASTASIEI (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Conceptual Distinctions and Public Understanding of Lobbying, Advocacy and Influence Peddling in Romania
Interest representation, championing causes of public interest and active participation of citizens serve to strengthen a well-functioning democracy as well as participatory governance centered on the needs and desires of citizens. Although in Romania there are mechanisms through which individuals can express their interests to public authorities, lobbying remains unregulated and advocacy is not so popular. The two concepts are often confused. Moreover, in the absence of clear national regulations, some actions undertaken by the private and non-governmental sector to advance their interests are viewed with suspicion, under the shadow of influence peddling. In order to provide concrete solutions aimed at addressing this issue, it is first necessary to assess the level of understanding of the distinction between the three concepts. In this context, this paper aims firstly to identify how clearly understood is the difference between lobbying, advocacy and influence peddling among the Romanian society, and secondly to highlight the theoretical and practical differences between them. The research involved the development of three hypothetical scenarios depicting a case of lobbying, one of advocacy and one of influence peddling, and presenting them to a group of participants, who were tasked with correlating each scenario with the activity it represented.
Copyright (c) 2025 Florin VĂDUVA (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Big Data and Artificial Intelligence in European Political Communication: Ethical Implications, Technological Shifts and Regulatory Challenges
The digitalization of public communication, particularly within political campaigns, has undergone a significant transformation driven by Big Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI). In the European context, this shift brings forth both unprecedented opportunities and complex ethical and regulatory dilemmas. This article explores the evolving role of Big Data and AI in political communication, analyzing its impact on democratic processes, citizens' trust, and regulatory frameworks. Drawing on recent literature, it offers a critical reflection on the capabilities and limits of data-driven campaigning, cross-national differences in technological adoption, and public perceptions of microtargeting. Furthermore, the article discusses the emerging governance models, ethical paradoxes, and the necessity of transparency in the face of generative AI and algorithmic persuasion. The aim is to contribute to a deeper understanding of how European democracies can align digital innovation with democratic resilience and ethical responsibility.
Copyright (c) 2025 Steliana MORARU (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Whistleblowing Through the Gender Lens: Unveiling Disparities in Responses and Perceptions
This paper investigates the relationship between gender differences and whistleblowing within the European Union, with a focus on how gendered dynamics influence individuals’ willingness to report unethical behavior. The study analyzes data from the Special Eurobarometer 548, which offers valuable insights into public attitudes toward reporting mechanisms across member states. By examining this data alongside gendered perspectives, the paper aims to uncover the factors that shape whistleblowing decisions, including the impact of social and cultural influences, and how these factors may vary between men and women. Ultimately, the paper aspires to contribute to the broader discourse on enhancing public integrity.
Copyright (c) 2025 Alexandra Mirela KIȘ (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Inside the Mixed-Use Sectional Title Schemes: The Application of Rules to Promote Good Governance
The role of sectional title scheme properties in assisting the South African government in addressing housing challenges is beyond contest. Nonetheless, the Act that governs these schemes has some problems, particularly in managing mixed-use sectional title schemes. One of the failures of this Act is that it grants developers broad authority to define rules for schemes without the input of local governments or corporate corporations. The aim of this article was to provide a complete understanding of rule application within mixed-use or two-tier schemes designed to foster good governance. Additionally, a global comparative analysis of similar schemes will be conducted to evaluate the rule execution and management of these mixed-use plans. Rules violations by both trustees and managing agents were cited as the common causes of poor management of the sectional title schemes; however, what still needs to be answered is the application of rules under the current mixed-use schemes. The current study built on this gap and examined how rules are implemented under mixed-use or two-tier schemes. However, little attention was given to the mixed-use scheme of sectional title scheme properties and the practical application of the rules under this new framework. This study aimed to examine the application of regulations in mixed-use schemes and their impact on the governance of the schemes. A practical recommendation was made on the possibilities of closing the expectation gap encountered with the current mixed-use governance framework.
Copyright (c) 2025 Aldrian Eddie MASHELE (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Performance Appraisal Practices (PAPs) and Employee Engagement (EE) Relationship in the Nigerian Civil Service
Survey in the administration pasture specified that employee engagement (EE) is crucial to effective civil service, because civil service achievement significantly depend on EE. Though, very little thought was given to performance appraisal practices (PAPs) in relations to EE in the civil service context. The key purpose of this study is to analysis the PAPs (i.e. training, performance feedback, job promotion, financial reward and performance recognition) in relation with EE. Consequently, 510 civil servants were included in this review. The research data were gathering via quantitative survey, from civil servants in Kwara State. The hypotheses formulated were checked using PLS-SEM. The outcomes of the findings offered support for three (3) hypotheses out of the five (5). The results of the research signified that job promotion, financial reward as well as performance recognition have significant relationships with EE, while the performance feedback and training have no significant relations with EE. Thus, this investigation gives empirical confirmation to the practitioners on EE. It further offers insight for directors in civil service on how to boost EE via training, performance feedback, job promotion, financial reward and performance recognition.
Copyright (c) 2025 Abdullateef AMEEN, Adams Lukman JIMOH, Abubakar Yaru UMAR (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Infrastructure Development and Its Economic Impact. Comparative Analysis Between Germany, Romania and Bulgaria
This article analyzes the economic impact of infrastructure development, with a comparison between three European Union member states: Germany, Romania, and Bulgaria. Infrastructure, including transportation, energy, telecommunications, and water and sewage systems, is essential for economic growth and quality of life. The study highlights that Germany, with its developed infrastructure, supports a robust economy and a high standard of living, while Romania and Bulgaria would benefit from additional investments to reduce economic and infrastructure gaps. The data used in the comparative analysis are sourced from EuroStat, divided into four major infrastructure categories. The conclusions emphasize that efficient investments in infrastructure are critical for economic development, but their success significantly depends on the quality of governance. The article provides insight into the need for modernization and expansion of infrastructure in Romania and Bulgaria to achieve an economic level comparable to that of Germany.
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Indoor Pollution and Employees’ Performance in Unifoam Nigeria Limited and Fortunate Bakery
Researchers have long been eager to uncover the causes of declining productivity. This study investigates the adverse impact of indoor pollution on worker performance, with a particular focus on businesses located in Ilorin, the capital city of Kwara State in Nigeria. The study involved 83 participants from different workplaces who completed surveys, and the chi-square statistical method was used to test four hypotheses. The results revealed a significant correlation between employee productivity and the work environment, particularly about pollution levels. The study revealed that businesses that maintained a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for their employees were more productive and in greater demand. The conducive workplace environment improved worker performance, leading to a reduction in negative behaviours such as laziness, low commitment, and absenteeism. In conclusion, the study advocates for initiatives aimed at enhancing work performance factors to foster positive productivity. Suggestions include implementing financial incentives, motivating employees, adopting more worker-friendly management policies, and improving employee wages. These measures are deemed crucial for fostering a more conducive work environment and enhancing overall productivity.
The Impact of Digital Transformation on Democracy. A Study Case on #REZIST Movements
This paper examines how the evolution of information technologies and digital tools has revealed their capacity to facilitate mass participation in legislative processes. Our primary objective is to highlight the transformative role of digital platforms in strengthening digital democracy. By analyzing the intersection of technology and civic participation, we aim to illustrate how digital tools are reshaping traditional democratic paradigms and empowering citizens to actively contribute to governance (Raiu, 2015). Particularly, the Romanian #rezist protest exemplifies the power of online organization and mobilization in contemporary activism through digital platforms. In this context, the #rezist movement underscores how digital technologies can facilitate rapid and effective mobilization, transcending geographical boundaries to foster a unified voice for social and political change.
Public Opinion Manipulation Through Mass Media. A Study Case on Gaza-Israel Conflict
This paper presents how the mass media and new communication technologies influence the formation of public opinion. The main purpose is to demonstrate that social media plays an essential role in influencing the public. By analyzing the main functions of the mass media and manipulation techniques, we will observe how these are reflected in the news about the Gaza-Israel conflict, as well as the effects they generate.
How Different Public Authorities Reflect International Migration?
Migration represents a social phenomenon, influential and which is encountered globally, especially in Romania, where people choose to leave the country in search of better conditions, meaning that Romanian migration represents the most frequent typology of migration encountered in Europe by East and West. Romanian migration represents a form of dynamic migration, which produces significant changes, and its effects are most felt in the economic and social sphere. However, an important aspect of migration and diaspora is represented by the way data is reported both at the national and international level, especially since such information helps to evaluate and monitor Romanian citizens outside the border, influences the perception of diaspora and contributes to the development and implementation of policies dedicated to this community.
Does the Current Governance Framework of the Sectional Title Scheme Influence Its Governance Practice?
This article investigated whether the current governance framework for sectional title schemes influences its governance practices. The primary goal was to examine the degree to which the rules of the sectional title schemes under the current governance framework are implemented and their impact on governance practices in managing those properties. Furthermore, the study investigates the effects of these guidelines on the overall governance procedures involved in administering sectional title properties. The research seeks to uncover gaps and issues within the governance structure that may impede effective property management by examining the alignment between mandated regulations and their actual implementation. The findings provided insights into how successfully the current rules enable or hinder good governance practices in sectional title schemes, with implications for policymakers, property managers, and stakeholders looking to improve. A practical recommendation was made on the possibilities of closing the expectation gap encountered with the current governance framework.
Unveiling the Impact of Incentives on Public Sector Employee Performance: A Comparative Exploration of African and European Systems
In addressing the imperative to enhance productivity among public sector employees, the global consensus emphasizes the essentiality of this endeavour. Leaders worldwide are driven by the anticipated economic advantages and associated prestige. Despite the prevailing inclination toward privatization, widely regarded as a precarious pursuit, there exists a compelling demand for a novel and efficacious solution. Recent research endeavours turn their attention to incentives as a potential remedy, leveraging the enduring appeal of financial rewards in the pursuit of contemporary efficiency. However, a meticulous comparative analysis focusing on continents poised to benefit significantly—Europe and Africa—yields unexpected insights. While monetary incentives have demonstrated effectiveness in fostering productivity within the private sector, the altruistic motivations inherent in public service roles appear to wield greater influence, at times even countering the intended effects of incentives. Consequently, future research must direct its focus toward a formidable alternative rooted in internal motivations and unwavering commitment, acknowledging the limitations of monetary inducements in the public sector.
Does the Taxation of Motor Vehicles Work? Evidence from Eastern European Countries
Taxation represents a unique opportunity for governments to solve multiple problems, economic, social, or environmental. Motor vehicle taxation intends to solve all those problems by incentivizing the taxpayers to make the best decisions for the environment and to use the collected funds to implement multiple policies to solve its intended purpose. Eastern Europe is a special case study because it falls behind compared to Western countries in terms of greenhouse gases and the average state of their motor vehicles.
A Human Rights Perspective on the Right to Participate in Public Affairs - Equal Participation of Women
The present paper aims to analyse the right to participate in public affairs from a human rights perspective, a right that paves the way for other human rights, with a focus on women's participation, at EU level, in the context of ensuring gender equality and non-discrimination. This article is qualitative research, starting from the documentary and legislative analysis of this right, as it is perceived at the level of international organizations, going up to a comparative approach of statistical data on women's participation in political life in the European Union, in the last legislature (2019-2024), with a focus on the situation in Romania. The question of the article is whether the right to participate in public affairs, an essential human right, manages to contribute to the exercise of other human rights, such as freedom of opinion and expression, freedom of association and freedom of peaceful assembly, the right to equality and non-discrimination etc., influencing them and guaranteeing their effective contribution to ensuring democracy and the rule of law in the European Union. It is concluded that the protection, respect and implementation of the right to participate in public affair and other related rights, which are mutually reinforcing, ultimately succeed in achieving this result, even if there are still challenges to be faced, continuing to be as current the need to strengthen confidence in participation in political life and public affairs.
the right to participate in public affairs
Elements of Critical Thinking Used in Decision-Making Process by Romanian Media Consumers
This paper tries to reveal the potential impact of critical thinking skills on Romanian media consumers. Nowadays, individuals are constantly exposed to large amounts of information through media, so it is essential to have the ability to critically evaluate and make informed decisions about the content they consume. This paper aims to explore the relationship between critical thinking skills, media consumption and decision-making processes. The objectives of this paper are to assess perceptions of critical thinking skills among media consumers by determining how they evaluate content. Second, the paper investigates the correlations between critical thinking skills, trust in media and decision-making processes, exploring how these factors are interrelated. Lastly, the research also considers the influence of demographic factors, such as education level, gender and age, on critical thinking skills in the context of media consumption. The results of the research reveal several significant findings. It was found that respondents generally perceive personal critical thinking skills as important in the effective use of media, and those who are in the habit of critically evaluating content are more likely to exhibit this behavior consistently.
International Labour Law. International Protection of Youth and Children
The evolution of human rights, a process closely linked to human emancipation, is reflected, among other things, in the protection of workers by International Labour Law. In this case, any failure to respect it is also a failure to ensure the protection of human rights. In this paper, the protection of children and young people is the main topic addressed and is analysed from a legal and practical perspective, at international and national level, in the context of the exploitation of their labour. In this regard, when discussing about Labour Law, we must start from the terminological analysis of the term "work", with the development of the law in the late 19th and early 20th century, leading to the analysis of the legal framework. Thus, the exploitation of children at work is closely linked to other challenges that the society to which they belong is facing, such as poverty, high birth rate, poor access to education and health etc., and their exploitation impacts on the development and future of children and youth. Therefore, this paper analyses the main challenges and issues that International Labour Law faces, in the context of the protection of children and young people.
Two Decades and Two Years Since 9/11 Attack: Is the ‘War Against Terror’ A Success?
The September 11, 2001 attack on the United States by the terrorist groups is no doubt a shocking one which forced the then President George Bush and his administration to vehemently vowed; to carry out a war against terror. Consequently, the United States, partnering with other countries across the globe under the auspices of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), made real, President Bush's vowed and embarked on full-scale military operations against the terrorists. The efforts of the GWOT at suppressing the terrorists notwithstanding, their activities have continued to escalate. In the course of the war against terror, over seven thousand Americans have died, while hundreds of thousands of Iraqis and Afghans have lost their lives. The costs of procuring the war on terror by joint military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan stood between $2 to $4 trillion, apart from material losses that remain unquantifiable. Given the reality on the ground, the study concluded that, although the war against terrorism has achieved some levels of success, however, the purpose of the declaration of war has not been fully realized. The study thus recommends that the underlying causes of terrorism should be, adequately addressed, for the war on terror to be effective. The United States and its allies should also reassess the approaches they have been using against the terrorist groups and adjust the approaches appropriately.
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The Role of Public Administration in Interreligious Dialogue. International Standards and Recommendations
Interreligious dialogue, recognized as a democratic instrument with the potential to foster respect and cooperation, occupies a pivotal role within the general democratic framework. Despite its significance, international organizations have not prescribed a specific framework for conducting interreligious dialogue. Instead, a diverse range of options exists, from ad-hoc to institutionalized formats, involving various stakeholders from religious leaders to local communities. This review study addresses the evolution and conceptual foundations of interreligious dialogue, while also exploring its integration into the democratization process. The first section of the study defines key terms within an interreligious dialogue framework using a conceptual framework from the social and political sciences. The avoidance of “conceptual stretching”, as articulated by Giovanni Sartori, is emphasized to elucidate commonalities between religious freedom (Freedom of Religion or Belief – FoRB) and interreligious dialogue, highlighting the crucial role of FoRB in governing interreligious discourse. The subsequent sections of the study delve into the multifaceted nature of interreligious dialogue, examining its formats, benefits, and the role of the State in promoting it. The study identifies diverse formats, from theological exchanges to non-hierarchical cooperation, emphasizing the importance of common goals and avoiding the imposition of individual perspectives and politicisation. In conclusion, this study systematizes the core elements of interreligious dialogue and underscores the importance of inclusivity, de-politicisation, neutrality, and dialogue over debate, ultimately contributing to a contemporary democratic model for interreligious dialogue that upholds the values of freedom and cooperation within diverse societies.
Implementing Evaluation Framework for Assessing the Impact of the European Green Deal on the Environment and Climate
Environmental policies represent a priority for the European Union. By implementing the European Green Deal, the E.U. aims to reach zero emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050. By implementing an evaluation framework we can better understand its particularities and monitor it’s outcomes. This paper will highlight the previous environmental efforts and how the European Green Deal represents a leap forward for the European space.
The Right to Social Security in Zimbabwe: A Literature Review
In light of the rising unemployment and ongoing economic shocks in Zimbabwe, the purpose of this article is to assess the relevance and applicability of its social security system. An analysis of the existing social security literature is used to determine the extent to which Zimbabwe's mandatory social security policy has succeeded in providing social protection to the country's marginalised people. According to a survey of general reports on the performance of the national social security policy, as well as an analysis of journal and newspaper articles, the country’s social security system has not significantly insulated people from financial challenges. The current social security system is not sufficiently inclusive and safeguarding, as it continues to exclude the informal sector. As a result, many individuals who ought to receive social protection are instead left on their own. In order to make the national social security policy more accessible in the midst of economic difficulties, the Zimbabwean government has a duty to re-examine it, to establish its relevance to the new realities of life. Social inclusion should be the policy's focal point. In order to fully address the issue of exclusion from social security arrangements, the country should adopt a multidimensional social security strategy.
Lobbying in the European Union. A Model for Romania?
Citizens' engagement in public decision-making is one of the pillars of any democracy. Therefore, the tendency of private actors to participate in the policy-making process can be seen as a natural consequence of a democratic society. As society's needs and desires have diversified more and more, lobbying has also increased - phenomenon that is generically perceived as an attempt to influence decision-making within a legal framework. However, lobbying is not a new concept in the public arena. In fact, its existence dates back as far as the mid-17th century, when British citizens gathered in the halls of Parliament to try to persuade their representatives to adopt various positions. In the European institutions, lobbying is also referred to as interest representation and plays a central role in the decision-making process. Thus, one can even speak of a “European model of lobbying” undertaken at the level of the EU institutions. In Romania, lobbying regulation is becoming increasingly relevant, with numerous failed legislative attempts (the latest one taking place in 2022). Thus, this paper aims to identify specific elements of European lobbying that could be successfully transposed into the Romanian public system. In this respect, we aim to analyse how lobbying is carried out at the level of the European institutions, to determine its effectiveness in the Romanian public system and, last but not least, to identify the perception of Romanian citizens on lobbying. In order to determine the perception of lobbying, a quantitative research based on the questionnaire method has been used.
Perspectives on the Administrative-Territorial Reorganization of Romania
The territorial administrative organization of Romania has been a highly debated topic in recent years at the public level. Thus, immediately after 1990, in the light of the new vision regarding the organization of the state and society, the issue of territorial administrative reorganization was raised, especially since almost all the legislation prior to 1990 had been changed. Later, at various stages in the evolution of Romanian society and especially in the context of Romania's accession to the European Union, the subject reappeared. In this last context, the problem arose of the non-existence of a correspondence between the Romanian administrative structures and those existing at European level. The issue was somehow resolved by the establishment of the regions as territorial-statistical units without legal personality, representing the framework for the elaboration, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of regional development policies, including regional development strategies and economic and social cohesion programs.
Social Stratification Perspective. A Theoretical Approach on the Massification of Higher Education
This paper discusses one of the main theories that addresses the explanation of the causes of the expansion of higher education as a social phenomenon, namely the theoretical perspective of social stratification. I will thus try to introduce some elements for the beginning of what social stratification is, as well as about social status and how it is closely related to participation in higher education. This theoretical perspective sees individual opportunities for access to higher education as being capitalized in order to accumulate a certain social status and not for the per se's intention to acquire certain knowledge and skills. Also, it is not only the individual level that is targeted in this paper, but also the collective one, given that the groups of individuals in a society will tend towards social emancipation, given the possibility of obtaining a university degree in this regard.