Issue No 2(6), 2010

• REGIONAL DIVERGENCE VERSUS EUROPEAN CONVERGENCE WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE1
  
  CornettAndreasSørensenNils Karl
  Abstract

  We analyze different patterns of economic development in Europe, and particularly in the Nordic and Baltic hemisphere based on an assessment of interregional and intraregional growth and trade performance. The central hypothesis is that large intra-regional disparities do not necessarily lead to lower economic growth on a national level than smaller disparities do. We examine the pattern of regional convergence within all EU-countries. The Baltic Region is divided into East Baltic region and West Baltic region. We observe overall convergence. At the national level, divergence is frequently observed in the Baltic hemisphere. With regard to trade hypothesis of trade, a close relation to the level of income is found. Finally, we discuss and evaluate the impacts on economic growth and competitiveness in the Baltic and Nordic hemisphere.
  
  Keywords: Baltic dimension, convergence, trade, specialization
  JEL Clasification: R11, R12, R58
  Article pdf
• SMALL RETAILING, TOWN CENTRES AND INLAND TERRITORIES. AN “EXTENDED TOWN CENTRE MANAGEMENT” PERSPECTIVE
  
  MussoFabio
  Abstract

  This paper aims to analyze the public policies that can be adopted in order to support small retail firms located in town centers and countryside small towns. The role of small retailing has been recognized for the preservation of an economic, social and cultural identity of both town centers and rural/mountain areas. The field of this analysis is more extended than that covered by the Town Centre Management (TCM) literature that is mainly focused on city centers. In this case the study is also addressed to smaller towns and inland areas. A case study of an Italian province has been conducted with the objective to underline the main factors that need to be considered by local administrators for the adoption of coordinated policies.
  
  Keywords: Town Center Management, small retailing, urban planning, rural development
  JEL Clasification: R58, L81, M38, O18
  Article pdf
• GLOBALISATION UNDER DYNAMIC ECONOMIC MODELS
  
  IonescuRomeo-Victor
  Abstract

  The paper deals with the necessity to find a better way to forecast the evolution of the global economic environment under the present crisis. As a result, the paper realises a comparative analysis of the latest GEM models. According to other dynamic, stochastic and general equilibrium models, GEM models combine the long term characteristics of the business cycles models with the short term Keynesian models.
  
  Keywords: international conjuncture, business cycle approach, macroeconomic connections, regional blocks
  JEL Clasification: C54, C59
  Article pdf
• TAXATION AND TAX HARMONIZATION AS A PROCESS IN THE EUROPEAN UNION
  
  SzarowskáIrena
  Abstract

  The paper is focused on tax harmonization and development of taxation in the European Union. The first part defines and specifies the term tax harmonization, based on a literature review. Next, the degrees of tax harmonization are explained. The third part of the paper summarizes the European Union approach to tax harmonization. The fourth section presents current
  
  Keywords: tax harmonization, degree of harmonization, tax burden, tax quota, implicit and nominal tax rate
  JEL Clasification: H20, H30
  Article pdf
• THE GREAT MOMENTS OF URBAN INDUSTRY IN GALATI CITY
  
  PuşcaşuVioleta
  Abstract

  The article deals with the problem of urban evolution and spatial planning in the Galati city through the last two centuries. Three great periods are identified that change the urban morphostructure. The first begins with the embrios of shipping industry in close relationship with the natural conditions. The second stage reflects the planned policy affecting also the material and immaterial structure of the city. The last 20 years express the new wave of urban industry connected to a mixed technopolitan evolution.
  
  Keywords: spatial distribution, industry, environment, planning
  JEL Clasification: R19, R29, R59
  Article pdf
• FAMILY ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE SME SECTOR
  
  LeszczewskaKrystynaBitkowskaAgnieszka
  Abstract

  Family businesses play an important role in social and economic life in Poland and in the world. This article characterizes the specificity of family enterprises, and presents the results of studies conducted in Poland on this group of companies.
  
  Keywords: family business, organizational culture, family entrepreneurship
  JEL Clasification: D13, D21, D23
  Article pdf
• DIFFICULTIES FOR ROMANIA IN THE PROCESS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REGIONAL OPERATIONAL PROGRAMMES. CASE STUDY: SOUTH-EAST REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
  
  TudorFlorin
  Abstract

  EU funds are treated as a unique opportunity for new Member States to accelerate the process of catching up with EU standards of living. Unfortunately, Romania cannot boast with notable performances in the absorption of EU funds. According to the latest data provided by the Authority for Structural Instruments (ACIS) at the end of the semester the absorption reached nearly 9% in relation to the allocation for 2007-2010. This analysis aims to identify the difficulties faced by beneficiaries in the implementation of regional operational programs at the level of the regions of development and setting priorities to overcome them.
  
  Keywords: structural instruments, absorption, cohesion policy, strategic planning, decentralization
  JEL Clasification: P48, R11, K34
  Article pdf
• AFRICA AND ASIA IN POST-COLD WAR SOUTH-SOUTH REGIONAL ASSERTION
  
  ChabalPierre
  Abstract

  This article was written on the occasion of a seminar in Dakar on International Relations 50 years after Independence, co-organised by the Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar with the participation of numerous colleagues from the St Louis Gaston Berger University and by Le Havre University, where I teach and carry out my work. I owe both intellectual and personal feelings of gratitude to all colleagues there as well as to all my colleagues in new partner countries, of which Romania is naturally one, in the wake of the end of the cold war. The end of the cold war is not just a historical point on a chronological scale; it is also a human experience, which I have intended and still do to live to the full.
  
  Keywords: delayed ‘post-war’ effect, regional assertion, political forgetfulness
  JEL Clasification: R11, R13, R19
  Article pdf
• LOCAL AGENDA 21 - LOCAL PLAN FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GALATI
  
  OpreaRăducanOpreaRamona-Mihaela
  Abstract

  Agenda 21 is a plan for implementing the concept of Sustainable Development for 21st Century, launched at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Romania as a signatory to the Convention in Rio de Janeiro, committed herself to take steps to apply this document, both nationally and locally. In Galati, a local sustainable development plan was created in order to apply the directives of the Convention in Rio de Janiero in 1992. Tools of Local Agenda 21 are: Local Strategy for Sustainable Development, Local Action Plan, Portfolio of Priority Projects. Throughout this paper we analyzed only local issues of sustainable development strategy in Galati.
  
  Keywords: vegetation and fauna, water, green spaces, port, tourism, energy
  JEL Clasification: Q01, Q56
  Article pdf
• STRUCTURAL INSTRUMENTS WITHIN 2007-2013 FINANCIAL PERSPECTIVE
  
  OracCamelia-Mădălina
  Abstract

  The present paper illustrates the essential objective of the European Union, the economic and social cohesion that can be achieved through the Structural Funds. Nowadays, Structural and Cohesion Funds are financial instruments used by the EU to eliminate economic and social disparities between regions in order to achieve economic and social cohesion. Cohesion Fund helps the Member States with a gross national product (GNP) per capita of less than 90% of EU average to reduce differences of economic and social development levels and to stabilize their economies. For the programming period of 2007-2013, the European Social Fund interventions aim is to support the Member States to anticipate and effectively manage economic and social changes. The European Regional Development Fund is reflected in financing productive investments and infrastructure in order to ensure sustainable development.
  
  Keywords: economic and social cohesion, structural instruments, disparities elimination, GNP per capita, economic growth potential
  JEL Clasification: R11
  Article pdf