Author: Irina Pop

Abstract: In the context of the contemporary dynamics of the European integration process, Europeanization asserts itself not only as an intriguing object of scientific inquiry, but also as a relevant issue for both member states of the European Union and candidate countries. Associated with the idea of change induced by the “European” influence, the Europeanization process affects, to a various extent, both institutions and policy fields. Based on the Europeanization research framework, this paper will discuss the impact of European integration on territorial adaptation- at the regional level- in Eastern Europe, in connection to a case study- the Romanian one. As it is the case of other East European countries,the specificity of the Romanian regional system that emerged at the end of the ’90s is primarily explained with reference to the efforts of “adjusting to Europe”, in light of the accession to the European Union. Based upon a cost- benefit decision, i.e.fulfilling the requirements in order to ensure access to European financial resources, the current regional system in Romania formed of “statistical” regions having little perspectives of becoming the reference point of a further territorial-administrative reorganization.

Keywords: Eastern Europe, Europeanization, Regional policy, Regional actors, Romania

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