Services of General Interest and Territorial Sustainability in Romania

Abstract The strengthening of social cohesion, the globalization and the opening of the market to free competition, the expanding of the public – private partnership and the sustainable development are the main questions which arise today about the future of services of general interest. The current economic and financial crisis recalls that the main role of the services of general interest lies in ensuring the social and territorial cohesion. At the same time, the crisis has a significant impact on the public sector due to the pressure on public finances and it is essential to make every effort possible in order to keep providing these services and improve their quality. The upcoming accession of Romania to the European Union requires precise criteria for guaranteeing the performance and quality of public services of general interest and, in particular, the development of network industries and the link between these elements is a prerequisite for facilitating the integration, increasing citizens welfare and achieving in a short time the community rules and standards. The role of services of general interest is the sustainable development of a territory and their contribution in maintaining the balance between environment and society, exploiting the available resources in a particular plan, fighting against social exclusion and isolation. Overall, the man has an important role, he can transform the environment, because he is considered an integral part thereof, subject only to maintaining the balance between himself and the other components of the environment; at the same time, he must accept his role as a stabilizing factor in his relationship with nature. Services of general interest in a region should positively influence the life of people in order to achieve the long-term development vision by transforming the region’s functioning of institutions. Sustainable development means recognizing that economy, environment and social welfare are interdependent namely that affecting the environment in terms of quality will sooner or later have a negative influence on economic development and the quality of life of each one of us. The human component is an essential urban mobility, and every type of public service must be carried out in a planned system in terms of territory. A responsible demographic capable of long-term strategies for rational use of resources, ensures sustainability planning. Sustainability does not imply an imposed proactive strategy. If an area has resources, a vigorous and enterprising demographic system, fair and profitable exchanges with the outside, it is sustainable, thus it can evolve without outside intervention.