Abstract This article examines how informal civic initiatives emerged as resilience actors within the ecosystem of social services for older people in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2025). Drawing on longitudinal qualitative research using constructivist Grounded Theory across two phases of data collection (2022 and 2025–2026), the study identifies six civic initiatives that emerged spontaneously during the pandemic and analyses their operational profiles, collaborative relationships with formal institutions, and post-pandemic trajectories. The findings reveal a typology of civic resilience actors differentiated by mobilisation logic, functional role, and capacity for sustained engagement beyond the crisis. A key conceptual contribution is the distinction between active resilience—sustained, institutionalised capacity—and latent resilience—dormant civic capacity that remains available for future mobilisation but is not systematically maintained. The authors conclude that the effectiveness of the local pandemic response in Cluj-Napoca was shaped by dense pre-existing civic networks and accumulated relational capital, highlighting the importance of civic infrastructure for social service resilience and future crisis preparedness.
Among vulnerable groups, the most important social category, from the point of view of the evolution of the human species and society, is that of children. This paper examines the measures for protecting children from transnational families in Romania through the analysis of national legislative and policy documents, along with relevant European strategic frameworks, and a longitudinal descriptive analysis of statistical data from 2015–2023. The qualitative component evaluates the coherence between Romanian policies and EU objectives, while the quantitative analysis highlights trends and territorial disparities in the number of children with parents working abroad. The findings indicate a general decrease in reported cases but also persistent data gaps, uneven implementation across regions, and limited institutional capacity. The study concludes that improving data collection practices, strengthening interinstitutional coordination, and developing targeted interventions - especially in high-risk areas - are essential for enhancing the protection and well-being of children in transnational families. These measures would help close the gap between legislation and practice and contribute to more effective and sustainable future policies.
The present study examines the impact of excessive gambling on young adults in Romania, specifically those aged between 18 and 35. The primary aim of this investigation is to determine whether activities such as sports betting, casino games, and lotteries exert a significant influence on individuals’ lives. To explore this issue, a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional research methodology was employed. Data were collected via an online questionnaire disseminated through social media platforms (Facebook and WhatsApp). The study considered several dimensions of excessive gambling, including the difficulty in controlling gambling impulses and its detrimental effects on financial stability and social relationships. Statistical analysis of responses obtained from a non-probability sample of 117 participants revealed a notable prevalence of excessive gambling, with financial hardship emerging as the most prominent consequence. The findings suggest that excessive gambling is more prevalent among unmarried individuals and has a more pronounced financial impact on urban youth. However, no statistically significant correlations were found between excessive gambling and variables such as age or employment status. The results underscore the importance of educational initiatives and awareness campaigns aimed at reducing gambling-related risks. From a practical standpoint, the development and implementation of targeted prevention and intervention strategies—particularly for vulnerable groups, such as those with low or unstable incomes—are strongly recommended. Moreover, the study highlights the urgent need for stricter regulatory measures to mitigate the adverse financial and social consequences of gambling. By offering a nuanced analysis of the socio-demographic factors associated with excessive gambling, this research contributes valuable insights and proposes directions for enhancing prevention efforts.
Abstract In the wake of the 2024 elections, far-right parties have capitalized on prevailing social and economic grievances to expand their electoral base. These parties raised issues such as immigration, national security, and economic dissatisfaction to appeal to voters seeking drastic changes from the status quo. This paper focuses on expatriates’ voter turnout in the last 2019 European elections and examines whether the turnout of the European elections is influenced by the period expatriates have been living in another EU country. Additionally, this paper aims at testing if expatriates are more inclined to have an extreme political orientation than non-expatriates. Employing several logistic regression models to examine the effects between different types of determinants and turnout and extreme political orientation, this paper aims at testing to what extent the period of residence, perception of the economic situation, trust and European views influence the expatriates’ voters to go to the polls.
