THE IMPACT OF THE EUROPEANIZATION PROCESS ON NATIONAL PUBLIC POLICY-MAKING: BETWEEN ADMINISTRATIVE ADAPTATION AND RESILIENCE

Abstract

This paper examines the Europeanization of public policy-making and its impact on national administrative systems, with a particular focus on Romania. Drawing on theoretical frameworks of Europeanization, policy transfer, and institutional adaptation, the study analyzes both mechanisms of influence and patterns of administrative resistance. The research identifies how EU institutions, top-down directives, and horizontal governance processes shape national policies, while highlighting the challenges of balancing European requirements with domestic priorities. Comparative insights reveal the interplay between administrative capacity, institutional culture, and political dynamics in determining the success of adaptation. The paper concludes by discussing implications for public administration reform, emphasizing capacity-building, stakeholder involvement, and evidence-based policy-making, and outlines future research directions for understanding long-term Europeanization processes.