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.

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.

1. Corruption European Union Funding: Transnational Policies Versus Local Praxis.- 2. A Dance of the (Il)legal: Transnational Aid Flows, Entrepreneurship and Corruption.- 3. Transnational Constructions of Development and Control.- 4. Bottom-Up European Integration: EU Ideal Types Versus Romanian Innovations.- 5. "I Make the Papers Look Credible": Consultants' Educational Role in Constructing Eligibility.- 6. Flat-Caps and Shackles: New Hierarchies of Bureaucratic Belonging.- 7. Friday Lunch with EU Funding: Profit-Making Routines.- Conclusion.