This volume is the result of the project NextStepEU Jean Monnet Module “Challenges, Opportunities, and Policies for Sustainability in the European Union”, grant decision number 101085160/31.08.2022), supported by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, and reunites a selection of the papers presented at the NextStepEU International Conference “Challenges, Opportunities, and Policies for Sustainability in the European Union”, organized at Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, during 29th and 31st of May 2025.
Diego Acosta Gijón, Daniela-Tatiana Agheorghiesei, Ovidiu Stoica
Abstract
This paper argues that rural territories in Europe, often viewed as lagging or structurally disadvantaged, possess unique potential to serve as experimental laboratories for sustainable development. By integrating community-driven entrepreneurship, social economy practices, and digital technologies within adaptive governance frameworks, these regions can become strategic drivers of inclusive and place-based transitions. The core hypothesis builds on evidence from rural China, where digital financial inclusion, platform-based governance, and targeted investment in social infrastructure have demonstrably improved rural resilience and institutional capacity. While the Chinese model reflects a distinct sociopolitical context, its mechanisms—particularly those related to digital enablement and local participatory models—offer adaptable insights for the European Union’s cohesion policy and rural innovation strategies. Through a comparative and exploratory approach, the article assesses how these tools can be recontextualized to support SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth) in Europe’s rural peripheries. It proposes that rural areas, when supported by appropriate infrastructure and participatory governance models, can actively shape sustainable futures—moving from recipients of top-down development to co-creators of territorial resilience, economic justice, and socio-ecological regeneration.
Keywords
social economy; rural digitalization; SDG 8; adaptive governance; territorial cohesion; policy transfer
The accounting profession involves the production and verification of accounting information, which is vital for users’ decision-making. Ethics in accountancy, which entails the observance of a set of moral and professional principles that guide the behaviour of accountants in the work they perform, is essential for maintaining public confidence in financial information and ensuring transparency, fairness and accountability in financial reporting. If, until now, ethics in accounting implied respecting traditional rules such as integrity, objectivity, confidentiality, professional competence etc., with the development of the digital era, it has taken on new dimensions and also involves protecting digital data, understanding the risks of technology, avoiding the abuse of automation, maintaining critical thinking and constant adaptation. At the same time, at a time when more and more companies are being forced to adopt environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance reporting standards, the shift to circular economies and sustainable business models require accounting professionals to understand and implement the integration of ethical, social and environmental dimensions in the process of preparing and reporting economic and financial information. In order to capture the main aspects of the evolution of accounting in the context of the ethical dilemmas that have arisen as a result of digital development, as well as new demands for sustainability and social responsibility, we used non-participatory observation as a study method, and the whole approach involves descriptive and comparative analysis. The data used are from various sources, such as literature, relevant institutions, but also from practical work. The originality of the study lies in the fact that we have access to the latest information on the current state of ethics in accounting.
Keywords
accounting ethics; sustainability; digital development
Urban transformation of cities can lead to a disruption of the concept of sustainable urban development. The Agenda 2030, under Goal 11 and Target 11.4, emphasizes the importance of culture for sustainable development and the strengthening of efforts to protect and preserve global cultural and natural heritage. Defining the framework of Cultura 2030, it’s goals, and indicators should enable further contributions of culture to sustainable development and the assessment of the transversal contribution of culture to sustainable development. The construction of buildings that use sustainable materials promotes modern living and working conditions, as well as inclusivity, which encourages the establishment of creative embassies as official institutions. This research adopts a qualitative and exploratory approach, focusing on the conceptual and policy-level analysis of the role of culture in sustainable urban development. The methodology includes a critical review of strategic documents, comparative policy analysis, and case study review which enables a multidimensional assessment of the transversal contributions of culture to economic, social, and environmental sustainability, emphasizing policy relevance and practical implementation. This method allows for a comprehensive understanding of how global Agendas conceptualize and integrate culture as a dimension of sustainability, identifies alignment, gaps and potential synergies that enables citizens to participate in decision-making and policy creation.
The corporate governance model should develop and encourage the sustainability of companies and their contribution to achieving the SDGs. The UN Global Compact helps companies achieve the SDGs by guiding them toward global priorities: climate action, gender equality, human rights, labor and decent working conditions, the fight against corruption, and sustainable financing. Additionally, reporting on ESG practices, which include new business norms related to greenwashing, greenhushing, and greenwishing, as well as sustainable financing, positively impacts responsible business practices and long-term stability. The research objectives are: (1) Analysis of achieving global priorities of corporate sustainability and contribution to achieving SDGs based on the analysis of the UN Global Compact, SDG Stocktake, and Agenda 2030; (2) Progress in achieving the Indicators of EU green resilience: Climate change and adoption, ecosystems, biodiversity, sustainable and sustainable use of resources, and the Indicator of EU geopolitical resilience: Financial globalization; (3) Key components of the corporate sustainability model from the perspective of the future contribution of companies to the SDGs; and (4) Examples of best practices and corporate initiatives contributing to climate actions and SDGs. This research adopts a qualitative and comparative analytical approach to assess corporate sustainability in the context of the SDGs, with a specific focus on the role of the UN Global Compact and green resilience at the EU level, based on is proposed the elements of the corporate sustainability model.
Healthcare spending lies at the heart of social policy and long-term economic performance, making it a critical issue for governments across the European Union. This study investigates the determinants of public healthcare expenditure in EU countries during the period 2014–2023. Employing a fixed-effects linear regression model, we assess the influence of key macroeconomic and demographic factors. The analysis reveals that population size, inflation, the share of the young population, public debt, and the COVID-19 pandemic significantly increase healthcare expenditure, while the unemployment rate exerts a negative effect. Unexpectedly, GDP per capita shows no significant relationship with public healthcare spending, challenging conventional economic assumptions. These findings suggest that beyond economic growth, macro-level financial performance and demographic pressures play a decisive role in shaping healthcare budgets. Ensuring the sustainability of healthcare systems thus requires efficient resource allocation and adaptive public policies capable of responding to both structural and unforeseen challenges.
Keywords
healthcare; public expenditure; EU countries, demographic factors, economic factors
Using log-log linear regression models and quantitative analyses, the research focuses on the relationship between the environmental protection investments of the total economy (EPI) in million euros, and intra-EU imports of recyclable raw materials (IRRM), in tonnes. This analysis covers the EU as a whole and six member states: Austria, Bulgaria, France, Poland, Romania, and Spain, from 2014 to 2022, a period for which more extended time series were identified at Eurostat. The research also explores the dynamics of the selected indicators in the same time frame. Bidirectional relationships were employed via two sets of regressions: one with IRRM as the dependent variable and another with EPI as the dependent variable. The results underscore heterogeneities across the selected countries and the EU aggregate. In the set where IRRM is the dependent variable, Austria exhibits a positive and statistically significant elasticity (0.12%), while France and Romania display significant negative elasticities (-0.26 and 0.49, respectively). In the inverse models, Bulgaria and the EU show significant positive elasticities (1.19% and 2.36%, respectively) from IRRM to EPI, whereas France and Romania exhibit negative elasticities (-2.2% and -1.29%). For greater clarity, further research should focus on the root causes of these heterogeneities and provide tailor-made solutions to national strategies aimed at achieving open strategic autonomy.
In recent years, research related to ecosystems in business and entrepreneurship has attracted intense attention. Similar to natural ecosystems, business ecosystems and entrepreneurship ecosystems are crucial for understanding the dynamics of the modern economic environment. The purpose of the study is to analyze state-of-the-art in entrepreneurial ecosystems studies and models and based on this to present a conceptual framework of an intrapreneurial ecosystem. The methodology used is content analysis, which allows for insight into the essence and content of both the system as a whole and its constituent elements and the relevant connections and interactions between them. The implementation of intrapreneurial processes is associated with synchronizing the efforts of multiple individuals and structures in the company, so that existing development opportunities are realized in profitable realities. The focus in building the overall intrapreneurial ecosystem is on creating a functioning environment for entrepreneurial activities within the organization with the aim of a flexible and innovative work environment, generating constant new solutions, products and services in unison with the strategic goals of the company. Such an ecosystem is characterized by a supportive culture, resources, and structures that allow employees to generate innovations and stimulate new initiatives, similar to the way entrepreneurs work in an external environment. An intrapreneurial ecosystem is a complex structure that combines different elements to stimulate and support innovation and growth in an organization. They interact with each other, creating a favourable environment for the development of new ideas and projects. In published research, the models that visualize and prove the connections and interdependencies within intrapreneurial ecosystems are not many and often focus on a specific type of intrapreneurship. A view of the conceptual framework of the intrapreneurial ecosystem is presented, based on one of the most commonly used models in this direction, developed by Isenberg (2011). The elements of the ecosystem are examined through the prism of the intrapreneurial concept.
Keywords
entrepreneurship; ecosystems; intrapreneurship; intrapreneurial ecosystem elements
Public spending on education is important for ensuring equal access to quality learning opportunities, especially within the European Union’s (EU) goals of cohesion and social inclusion. As European countries strive for greater integration, the concept of convergence in education spending has become increasingly relevant in policy discussions. Convergence, in this context, refers to reducing the differences in public expenditure per pupil among European nations to establish fair and efficient education systems across the continent. This article explores the trends of convergence in public education spending in Europe. The countries studied include the EU27, divided into Western and Eastern groups. Romania holds a special place in this analysis. The period studied spans from 1995 to 2022, the longest available data range. Although progress has been made in convergence—particularly among newer EU member states—significant disparities still exist. Closing these gaps is important for promoting equal educational opportunities, reducing social inequality, and supporting the EU’s broader aims of integration and cohesion. Achieving complete convergence will require ongoing political dedication, targeted investments, and a balanced focus on both spending levels and educational outcomes.
The performance of the banking system is a key factor in the development of the national economy, serving as an essential pillar of sustainable economic stability. This research conducts a detailed examination of the factors affecting the performance of commercial banks in Romania, during the 2010–2024 period. Methodologically, the proposed econometric model analyzes the relationship between banking performance indicators (such as ROA, ROE, and NIM) and selected independent variables, grouped, according to the specialized literature, into bank-specific, industry-specific, and macroeconomic factors. The empirical findings reveal that the performance of the Romanian banking system is statistically significantly influenced by the non-performing loan ratio, capital adequacy, cost-to-income ratio, the size of the bank and of the banking sector, banking concentration, economic growth, and the real interest rate. These conclusions may have practical implications for the development of effective strategies aimed at enhancing institutional performance. Future research could expand the analysis by comparing bank performance in different economic contexts or by integrating additional factors such as digitalization and financial sustainability.
The Republic of Moldova possesses significant ecotourism potential due to its diverse natural landscapes, rural traditions, and rich biodiversity. However, its image as an ecotourism destination remains underdeveloped and poorly communicated to international markets. This paper explores the economic potential of Moldova’s ecotourism image and evaluates how it can be improved to contribute to sustainable regional development. Using a mixed-methods approach—including content analysis of promotional materials, survey data, expert interviews, and SWOT-PESTLE frameworks—the research identifies key factors that influence the perception and attractiveness of Moldova as an ecotourism destination. Findings indicate that while Moldova’s current tourism image is heavily wine-focused, there is substantial untapped interest in community-based ecotourism and nature experiences. Strategic branding, improved infrastructure, and cross-sector policy support could enhance Moldova’s visibility and competitiveness, increasing both tourism revenues and local employment. The paper highlights the importance of coherent national policy, inter-institutional cooperation, and environmental education in turning Moldova’s ecotourism image into an economic growth driver.
Keywords
ecotourism; economic potential: national image: Moldova: sustainable development
As a candidate country for the EU, the Republic of Moldova must align itself with a series of policies and standards that are essential for full integration into the European Union, including Environmental Policies, Climate Change Policies, and Circular Economy Policies. The aim of the research was to provide an overview of the population’s attitude towards the ecological transition and the circular economy, identifying the level of awareness and understanding of these reforms. To achieve the proposed objectives, general scientific methods were applied: synthesis, critical analysis of materials, as well as analytical methods such as surveys, interviews, statistical data processing, graphical methods, comparison, grouping, etc. The study was based on data collection from a sample of 1419 participants to capture a clear image of public opinion. The survey was structured to address 30 key questions regarding: awareness of the circular economy, perception of sustainability policies, and the willingness to adopt sustainable behaviours. People generally feel positively about sustainability and environmental protection, but this doesn’t consistently lead to sustainable actions or responsible buying habits. While most people understand that environmental protection matters, this understanding doesn’t fully show up in their daily habits. They are a little interested in simple green steps that quickly save them money, like using less energy or doing some recycling. However, measures that require significant investments or specific infrastructure, such as selective waste collection or the use of alternative energy sources, are less frequently adopted. This underscores the importance of active governmental support and incentive policies to encourage sustainable changes at the national level. In the context of the Republic of Moldova, insufficient information and limited access to energy-efficient equipment result in high energy consumption in households. Furthermore, recycling remains in its early stages, largely due to structural and governance challenges in waste management. In many regions of the country, the lack of resources and adequate infrastructure at the local authority level hinders the development of an efficient and sustainable waste management system. Despite the fact that most respondents claim to frequently use reusable products, a significant percentage of individuals still do not use them at all or use them very rarely. This behavior highlights the lack of environmental education and financial incentives for adopting new technologies, which leads to low awareness of the economic and environmental benefits of environmental policies and the circular economy. Based on the survey results, the study identified several important directions for sustainability policies that should be considered, such as: improving education and awareness, supporting sustainable behaviors, active community participation. The research was conducted under Project 20.80012.7007.10SE, “Social Impact Analysis for the Deposit Return System for Recyclable Packaging in the Republic of Moldova.”
Sustainability reporting has become a critical business tool for transparency and accountability, driven by increasing environmental awareness and social commitment. The European Union (EU), deeply concerned for future generations, actively encourages companies to report on their complex social and environmental impacts and inherent risks, establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework. However, the specific implementation and evolution of this framework vary across Member States due to unique national contexts. This paper aims to identify prevailing sustainability reporting practices adopted by Bulgarian companies and outline the main challenges they face in effectively disclosing this information to stakeholders. Methodology: A mixed-methods approach combines quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. Quantitative methods, particularly in-depth content analysis, are applied to publicly available sustainability reports, annual reports, and financial statements from a representative sample of Bulgarian companies. Through systematic techniques, the research identifies key themes, perspectives, and underlying factors shaping Bulgaria’s sustainability reporting landscape. This integrated approach ensures a holistic understanding of the current state and dynamics within the specific Bulgarian context. Key findings: Bulgarian companies are in the formative stages of adopting sustainability reporting practices. While there is an upward trend in companies applying recognized frameworks, their reports are generally less comprehensive in scope and detail compared to those from more established EU Member States. Key challenges are multifaceted, including limited expert knowledge in sustainability reporting, significant difficulties in accurate and reliable collection and rigorous validation of relevant ESG information, and a perceived lack of strong internal or external motivation to prioritize comprehensive disclosure of sustainable practices and their results.
Although technological progress is a key driver of modern economic growth and long-term improvements in living standards, its effects have often materialized with a delay. This lag is frequently due to adjustment costs, such as the need for complementary investments and workforce training, or the time it takes for induced sectoral shifts to fully take effect. This study explores these dynamics in the context of artificial intelligence (AI), whose rapid rise and increasing adoption have sparked high expectations about its potential to enhance macroeconomic performance and overall well-being. To investigate the short- and long-run effects of AI adoption on growth and standards of living we consider a sample of 35 OECD countries observed annually over the period 1995-2017 and estimate a panel ARDL model. Our findings confirm that AI adoption is already translating into faster growth in the short run, suggesting that firms and sectors are rapidly adjusting to this new technology with its broad applications. These findings are robust to the consideration of different proxies for AI adoption, estimation procedures, a higher number of lags and additional control variables, and survive a coefficient stability analysis. AI adoption also seems to lead to long run improvements in standards of living, though this result is not supported in all contexts. As AI adoption continues to accelerate, its impact remains uncertain, but our findings support optimistic views, with short-run growth effects already visbile.
The EU member states want to offer their citizens a harmonious life from 3 perspectives, namely social, economic, and environmental. This study investigates the impact of the greenhouse effects and investments on public spending. The greenhouse gas emission variable is included in observing environmental sustainability, and variable investments consider the beneficial effect on the economy. Public spending on education, science and research and development (R&D) is considered to bring positive effects on the sustainable development of a country, from the social effect point of view. This variable with Real GDP per capita-control variable and Direct investment in the reporting economy are used as o control variable. We use the ordinary least squares method and MG, PMD and DFE model (ARDL model). We will analyse the European country in the period 2005-2020, and we will use the Stata program. From the OLS method we conclude that 61.5% of the variation of general government expenditure variables is explained by the independent variables included in the model. And Gross domestic expenditures on research and development (R&D has a positive impact on the general government expenditure. From the ARDL model we concluded that a unit change in investment is associated with a 0.360 increase in general government spending. In this case, the investments and general expenditures of the governments show a direct relationship.
Keywords
public spending; greenhouse gas emissions; investment; European Union countries; ARDL model
The physical environment of the enterprise is taken for granted, but not with essential importance for group and interpersonal dynamics. The physical side refers mainly to occupational health and safety. The issue has been taken as a leading one in European Parliament policy since the 1980s. It is a key element of the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan. The focus is on prevention and securing the physical health of workers. The psychosocial aspect remains unappreciated or underestimated by the governing bodies. The mental-cognitive impact of the physical environment is acknowledged, but does not have the weight of the physiological, on employee satisfaction, according to a number of managers. The question of the properties and stresses of the physical environment of the organization is limited by the paucity of research on the topic, especially on the intrapersonal structure of individuals. Within the present study, we will focus on a case study of the problem posed. We focus on an over-centered, small-scale dilemma of the “messy versus tidy desk.” Focusing on a specific case study, serves as our basis for tracing the relationship between situational positioning to the generative impact of the physical environment and its functions on the employee. The study allowed us to demonstrate the relationship of the physical and the intangible in individual job satisfaction and motivation at the level of perception, emotion and formulated individual interpretation.
The Value Added Tax (VAT) system in the agri-food sector represents a strategic fiscal instrument in the context of the Republic of Moldova’s European path. This research aims to capture the essence of European fiscal approaches in the agri-food domain, tracing potential connections with the future of Moldova’s fiscal framework, identifying defining characteristics, structural disparities, and functional convergences. The research conducts a comparative analysis of fiscal models from countries with economies similar to the Republic of Moldova—Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Croatia, and the Baltic states—which have undergone processes of transition and European integration. The study methodologically evaluates the configurations of differentiated rates, administrative mechanisms, certification and traceability systems, as well as the degree of digitalization of fiscal processes. The results of the study substantiate the implementation of a differentiated fiscal framework along the agri-food value chain, consolidated through advanced certification systems and digital technologies. The anticipated benefits of fiscal reform are quantified, including the reduction of the VAT gap, strengthening competitiveness, and ensuring the accessibility of essential food products. The research conclusions position the modernization of the VAT system in the agri-food sector as an integral element of the structural transformation of the Moldovan economy in the process of convergence with European standards.
Keywords
agri-food VAT; agricultural sector; European integration; fiscal modernization; Republic of Moldova
