Social projects financed from European Funds as a community development instrument in Romania

Community development is a broadly used concept that describes the process of building sustainable communities, by promoting social justice and mutual support. Although it refers to all community groups, it usually aims at supporting the disadvantaged and marginalized groups in overcoming their difficulties and at reducing social and economic disparities. One of the most efficient instruments of achieving community development are social programs, implemented through social projects. Since its’ accession to the European Union and even in the pre-accession phase, Romania benefited from the financial instruments made available by the EU for all member or future member states. These instruments were translated into a big step ahead in the direction of social inclusion, reducing social and economical disparities, integration of minorities and support for vulnerable groups. Romania must take full advantage of these financing opportunities and convert the European support into the most efficient modality of addressing its’ most urgent and difficult social problems.