Regional Disparities and Sustainable Development in Romania: Insights from EU Funds Absorption Data 2021-2027

Abstract

The absorption of European funds by a state, respectively by its regions, represents a means of real support for sustainable development. However, regions, most of the time, fail to have even a similar absorption, which implicitly leads to disparities between them and to the uneven development of a state. Nevertheless, the role of such funds is in fact very closely linked to the idea of supporting balanced sustainable development. Thus, given the current context, in which sustainability is becoming a genuine concern for states, the issue of economic sustainability is frequently being encountered. In light of these considerations, the article aims to analyze the absorption of European funds in relation to the situation of sustainability indicators at the regional level in Romania. For these reasons, the main purpose of this research is to highlight regional differences and their trends from the perspective of sustainability and funds. Therefore, the study methodology will be shaped around official statistical data, whose interpretation and correlation will allow an understanding of the real situation in Romania, thereby identifying interregional gaps. Finally, the research conducted in the article will provide a relevant perspective on the situation in Romania, with the results aiming to make a significant contribution to the field of study through their relevance and importance. UDC: [332.13:339.96]:338.1(498); JEL: E60, Q01, Q56, R10, R11, R13, R58