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From Policy to Impact: Advancing Economic Development and Tackling Social Inequities in Central and Eastern Europe

Author

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  • Adriana AnaMaria Davidescu

    (Department of Statistics and Econometrics, The Bucharest University of Economic Studies, 010552 Bucharest, Romania
    Department of Education, Training and Labour Market, National Scientific Research Institute for Labour and Social Protection, 010643 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Tamara Maria Nae

    (Department of Economics and Economic Policy, Bucharest University of Economic Studies, 010552 Bucharest, Romania
    Research and Analysis Department, Ministry of Finance, 050706 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Margareta-Stela Florescu

    (Department of Administration and Public Management, Bucharest University of Economic Studies, 010374 Bucharest, Romania)

Abstract

This study challenges the traditional reliance on GDP as the sole indicator of the success of the EU’s cohesion policy, aligning with the evolving academic discourse that calls for a broader spectrum of metrics incorporating social factors. The research aims to assess the impact of cohesion on economic performance and social progress at the regional level in Central and Eastern European countries, using regression analysis on panel data. Inspired by the call to move beyond GDP-focused assessments, this research re-evaluates cohesion policy within an expanded framework that prioritizes economic and social dimensions. Specifically, it addresses the escalating concerns of income disparity and poverty in Central and Eastern European nations. Utilizing panel data regression models, this study scrutinizes data from 2007 to 2018, covering two recent programming periods, to offer a comprehensive, multifaceted analysis of the impact of cohesion policy. It underscores the policy’s dual role in spurring economic growth and fostering social progress, particularly in mitigating income inequality and reducing poverty. The findings reveal that cohesion policies positively affect both economic performance and social progress, with notable impacts on narrowing the income gap and alleviating poverty in these regions. However, the economic benefits for poverty reduction materialize over a prolonged period, reflecting the gradual nature of policy impact and the time needed for investments to materialize. The study emphasizes the need for a long-term strategic vision in implementing cohesion policies. This includes enhanced data collection, a deeper focus on the social ramifications of policies, streamlined policy processes, capacity building, institutional strengthening, and prioritizing equitable opportunities to bridge income gaps effectively. This comprehensive approach aims to maximize the dual benefits of cohesion policies, promoting balanced economic and social progress across Central and Eastern Europe.

Suggested Citation

  • Adriana AnaMaria Davidescu & Tamara Maria Nae & Margareta-Stela Florescu, 2024. "From Policy to Impact: Advancing Economic Development and Tackling Social Inequities in Central and Eastern Europe," Economies, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-25, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jecomi:v:12:y:2024:i:2:p:28-:d:1325626
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Knut Lehre Seip & Frode Eika Sandnes, 2024. "The Timing and Strength of Inequality Concerns in the UK Public Debate: Google Trends, Elections and the Macroeconomy," Economies, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-17, May.
    3. Luca Altamore & Pietro Chinnici & Simona Bacarella & Stefania Chironi & Marzia Ingrassia, 2024. "Current Framework of Italian Agriculture and Changes between the 2010 and 2020 Censuses," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-37, September.
    4. Madalina Laura Ionescu & Rudy Ujang & Mihalcea Viorel Mihai & Irene Papadopol & Izzat Al-Hadi Razali, 2026. "A Comparative Analysis of Rural–Urban Disparities in Selected Central and Eastern European Countries in the Context of Global Transformations," Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development Studies, "Dunarea de Jos" University of Galati, Doctoral Field Engineering and Management in Agriculture and Rural Development, issue 1, pages 217-229.
    5. Monica Laura Zlati & Angelica Buboi (Danaila) & Costinela Fortea & Alina Meca & Valentin Marian Antohi, 2024. "Studying Regional Disparities at European Level with a View to Achieving Climate Neutrality Objectives," Economics and Applied Informatics, "Dunarea de Jos" University of Galati, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, issue 3, pages 361-373.
    6. Năstasă Anamaria & Mocanu Cristina, 2025. "Digital divides in online job search: Insights from Europe," Management & Marketing, Sciendo, vol. 20(4), pages 32-40.

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