A New Paradigm regarding the Real Convergence of Romania to the EU.

Our research paper is part of the larger-scale study regarding the readiness assessment of Romania and other five Central and Eastern European countries (CEE-6) for accession to the Eurozone in terms of the real convergence. We extended the analysis of the real economic convergence to the area of social convergence. The purpose of the extended analysis is to compare the living standards in Romania, CEE-6 and other European Union member states (EU-28) and to draw conclusions on the social convergence as a complement to real economic convergence. Using an analytical tool, the Social Progress Index 2018, at different levels of disaggregation, the work reveals the dynamics of social progress and also the gaps between Romania, CEE-6 and the EU, while identifying strengths, and weaknesses to achieve social progress on the road to real convergence with the EU. The outcomes could provide valuable inputs to the decision-makers highlighting some milestones to remove weaknesses and to turn threats into opportunities in the future social and economic policies of Romania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]