The Emergence of the Multi-Level Governance Model in Romania

Abstract

This paper examines the emergence of the multi-level governance model in Romania in the context of European integration, decentralization, and regional development reforms. The study contributes theoreti-cally by linking the concepts of Europeanization, subsidiarity, institutional decentralization, and regional governance in a post-communist administrative system. Its originality lies in interpreting Romania’s multi-level governance framework as a hybrid model, shaped by EU cohesion policy requirements but still con-strained by centralized administrative traditions. The research uses a qualitative institutional and documentary analysis, based on EU policy frameworks, national legislation, strategic government documents, regional development regulations, institutional re-ports, and relevant academic literature. The analysis focuses on how governance responsibilities are dis-tributed across European, national, regional, and local levels, and how Romanian institutions have adapted to the principles of partnership, coordination, and subsidiarity. The findings show that Romania has developed important institutional mechanisms associated with multi-level governance, particularly through the creation of development regions, regional development agencies, and structures for managing European funds. However, the results also indicate that these mechanisms remain only partially consolidated. Development regions lack legal personality and full administrative au-tonomy, while decision-making and financial coordination continue to be strongly influenced by central government. Consequently, the Romanian model reflects an incomplete transition from hierarchical gov-ernance toward genuine multi-level governance. The practical implications of the study highlight the need to strengthen regional institutional capacity, clar-ify regional competencies, improve coordination between governance levels, simplify financial equaliza-tion mechanisms, and reinforce partnerships with civil society and local actors. These measures could in-crease the effectiveness of public policy implementation and support more balanced regional development in Romania.