Corruption, Informality and Entrepreneurship in Romania

This book examines the meaning, structure, practices and symbolism of corruption in relationship to European Union structural funding in Romania. It offers a unique account of the complex transformations faced by post-communist societies. Despite the new legislation that effectively re-branded typical economic practices in Romanian society as ‘corruption’, entrepreneurs continue to use them in everyday interactions. The entrepreneurial culture described in the chapters is an ordinary trait of the local work routines. Rather than pursuing the singular logic of corruption, the author explores the concept of informality by focusing on the socio-historical context and the meanings embedded in the society that provides solutions to the problems. The book will appeal to students, scholars and practitioners in the areas of corruption, public policy and EU policy and politics.

Roxana Bratu is Research Associate in Global and European Anticorruption Policies at University College London, UK. Her current research interests include corruption, informality and European Union funding in Romania, Ukraine and Moldova, comparative research regarding representations of corruption in the media, anti-corruption policies and practices, criminal justice responses to anti-corruption agenda and integrity values, customs and institutions around the globe.