The purpose of C.A.P.D.R. (Center for Analysis and Planning of Regional Development) is the design and implementation of regional programs necessary to support regional development policies aimed at reducing economic and social disparities between the regions of Romania and those of other EU member states.

Centralization and regionalization are two different approaches regarding the organization and governance of a state

They involve the distribution of power and authority between the central and regional levels, as well as how decisions are made and resources are managed.

Centralization refers to the concentration of political and administrative power at the central level, in the national government or a strong central authority. This mode of governing a country is still very present in some Eastern European countries, including Romania.

In a centralized system like Romania’s, major decisions are made at the central level and applied uniformly across the entire country. Regions or local administrative units have limited autonomy and largely depend on decisions and resources provided by the central government. This model can ensure more efficient coordination and consistent implementation of policies nationwide but may lead to a lack of flexibility and adaptability to regional needs and characteristics. Unfortunately, the policy of the last 33 years in Romania has shown, from the perspective of results, the lack of flexibility – efficiency – coherence of decisions made in a centralized system!

Regionalization, on the other hand, involves delegating greater responsibilities and powers to regional or local levels.

In a regionalized system – in the sense of the current ADRs (Regional Development Analysis and Planning Center), regions have greater autonomy in decision-making and managing their resources. This can allow for greater adaptability and flexibility at the regional level, promoting economic and social development in smaller regions and communities.

The role of regional development in the functionality of the CAPDR (Regional Development Analysis and Planning Center) is to ensure balance and progress across Romania’s regions. Regional development involves planning and implementing specific policies, strategies, and projects aimed at stimulating economic and social growth in different regions, reducing regional disparities and inequalities, and improving the quality of life for residents.

Here are some important roles of regional development:

1. Reducing Economic and Social Disparities: Regional development focuses on reducing economic and social disparities between regions. Some regions may be more developed than others, benefiting from better infrastructure, public services, job opportunities, and higher education. Specific policies and projects aim to reduce these differences and ensure balanced development throughout the country.

2. Stimulating Economic Growth: Regional development promotes economic growth in less developed regions or rural areas. This is achieved through attracting investments, creating jobs, supporting local entrepreneurship, and developing necessary infrastructure to support economic activities. By stimulating regional economic growth, living standards can be improved and new opportunities created for residents in those regions.

3. Utilizing Regional Resources: Each region has its own natural, cultural, and human resources. Regional development aims to harness these resources sustainably to support economic and social development. For example, agricultural regions can promote agriculture and agrotourism, while regions with abundant natural resources can develop specific industries such as timber processing or eco-tourism.

4. Developing Infrastructure and Public Services: Regional development involves improving infrastructure and public services in regions, such as transportation, communications, education, health, and access to social services. Adequate infrastructure and quality public services are essential to create a conducive environment for economic and social development and attract investments to regions.

5. Promoting Regional Cooperation: Regional development often involves cooperation and collaboration between different regions within a country or across borders. This can include sharing best practices, joint projects, developing cross-border infrastructure, and initiatives to increase trade and mobility between regions.

The principle of regionalization in Europe is based on dividing power and authority between central, regional, and local levels in a way that promotes regional autonomy and development.

There are various approaches and models of regionalization in different European countries, and the degree of autonomy and power granted to regions can vary. Key principles associated with regionalization in Europe include subsidiarity, regional autonomy, interregional cooperation, and citizen participation.

Each country adopts a specific regionalization system based on its history, geography, cultural diversity, and politics. For example:

• Federal Model: Countries like Germany, Austria, Belgium, and Switzerland have adopted a federal model where power is shared between the central government and federal regions. These federal regions, such as German states or Austrian states (länder), have extensive legislative and administrative powers and manage a wide range of competencies.

• Decentralized Unitary Model: Countries like Spain, Italy, and France have a decentralized unitary model where power is distributed between the central government and regional administrative units. These regions, such as autonomous communities in Spain or regions in Italy, have varying levels of autonomy and competencies, with central power retaining control over key aspects like defense or foreign policy.

• Regionalization in Smaller Countries: In smaller countries like the Netherlands, Denmark, or Luxembourg, regionalization is based on dividing the country into smaller administrative regions. These regions have limited competencies and do not benefit from high levels of autonomy compared to federal or decentralized models.

• Regionalization in Post-Communist Countries: Countries that transitioned from communism to democracy, such as Poland, Romania, or the Czech Republic, have introduced administrative divisions at the regional level, such as voivodeships in Poland or counties in Romania. However, the level of autonomy of these regions can vary considerably.

In Poland, for instance, the current administrative structure divides the country into 16 voivodeships (regional administrative units), each with its own government and legislative body. Voivodeships are responsible for managing regional development, infrastructure, education, and environmental protection. However, the level of autonomy of voivodeships is considered relatively limited compared to other European countries.

Over the years, there have been discussions and proposals for reforming the regional system in Poland to increase regional autonomy and redistribute power between central and regional levels. Some have advocated for creating smaller and more autonomous regions, while others have supported consolidating existing voivodeships.

Implementing a major regional reform in Poland is a complex process that involves constitutional changes and political consensus. Careful evaluation of the potential impact of such reforms on the country’s political, economic, and social structure is necessary.

The functionality of the CAPDR departments is designed to ensure concrete cooperation among the counties of a region and between Romania and the Republic of Moldova. Each department plays a crucial role in promoting regional development through specific programs and initiatives tailored to the needs of the regions.