Transformation of Romania under European integration: Achievements, challenges, and significance for Ukraine

Abstract

The article examines the features of Romania’s transformational changes in the context of European integration, analyzes the key stages of its accession to the European Union, and assesses the main results of the country’s membership in the European integration association. The object of the study is the processes of European integration of Romania and the related transformational changes in its political, economic, and institutional spheres. The subject of the study is the features, patterns, and results of Romania’s transformation in the context of European integration, including achieved successes, existing challenges, and opportunities to apply Romania’s experience for Ukraine. The aim of the article is to analyze the transformational processes in Romania within the context of European integration, to assess the achieved results and existing challenges after the country’s accession to the European Union, as well as to substantiate the practical significance of Romania’s experience for Ukraine in the process of adapting to European standards and implementing reforms required for EU membership. The study finds that integration into the single European market has contributed to the growth of foreign trade, the attraction of foreign direct investment, the modernization of industry and transport infrastructure, an increase in living standards, and economic growth in terms of gross domestic product. The role of financial support from the European Union in the implementation of infrastructure projects, regional development, and the modernization of public utilities is also identified. At the same time, it is substantiated that despite significant achievements, Romania continues to face a number of challenges, including corruption, regional disparities, demographic problems, labor migration, and the need for further improvement of public administration. It is proven that EU membership itself does not eliminate structural economic problems but creates favorable conditions for overcoming them provided that effective state policies are implemented. Based on the analysis, opportunities for applying Romania’s experience in implementing Ukraine’s European integration course are identified. It is concluded that Romania’s experience is particularly important for Ukraine in the areas of institutional reform, anti-corruption policy, investment attraction, efficient use of EU financial resources, and modernization of the national economy. The practical significance of the study lies in identifying directions for adapting Romania’s positive experience to ensure Ukraine’s successful integration into the European political and economic space. Taking into account Romanian approaches to governance reform, infrastructure development, improved use of European funds, and strengthening institutional capacity may accelerate Ukraine’s European integration processes and increase the effectiveness of necessary reforms.