Romanian Economy Between Economic Growth And Poverty: A Regional Approach

Abstract

The paper deals with the contradiction between Romania’s economic performances
and its population’s welfare. The whole analysis is made within the European context.
Using the assumption of economic recovery across the EU28, the comparative analysis
points out the idea that the Euro area’s economic performances are worse than those of the
EU28, at least during the latest period.
A distinct part of the paper uses regression analysis in order to quantify the
economic disparities between EU28, Euro area and Romania.
The analysis is focused on relevant economic indicators: GDP growth rate, total
investment, labor productivity, saving rate of households, government gross debt. A very
interesting analysis is that related to population at risk of poverty or social exclusion.
The main conclusion of the paper is that there is a great difference between the
official economic growth and population welfare in Romania and this difference becomes
greater at NUTS2 regions. The paper uses the latest official statistic data and pertinent
diagrams in order to support the analysis and its conclusions.