Transition in Romania: Is joining the European Union a win for all?

Abstract

Romania joined the European Union (EU) on January 1, 2007 with promises of great economic gains for all Romanians. This research comprised from 462 Romania respondents shows that in the short run, there are groups who do not see benefits. Depth interviews and survey data show that both peasants and older Romanians have a much more pessimistic outlook for Romania's economic future as a member of the EU, and that EU entry is an unwelcome change in selling patterns for Romania's suppliers of local goods.