Green Performance Strategies in Romanian Economy in the View of EU 2020 Strategy

Abstract

This chapter aimed to investigate green performance strategies in the Romanian economy. In the first part, authors exposed specific definitions and concepts related to the green economy, as they appear in the literature in the field. The European context and the main ways of implementation of the green economy are presented as they result from the objectives of The Agenda 2020 UE and The Agenda 2030 UNO. Green Performance in Romania during 2010-2014 is assessed by analyzing the environmental protection expenditures, environmental taxes, greenhouse gasses emissions, green jobs roles, and Environmental Performance Index. The sustainable economic growth effects are materializing in a major growth of the ecological productivity, an increased amount of energy derived from renewable sources, emissions reduction, improved air and water quality, widened access to the benefits of civilization - education, water sanitation. Thus, this green growth “can fight” against climate change. Also, green growth provides opportunities for creating new jobs requiring new skills.