The aim of this paper is to emphasize the role played by the social, economic and political variables in shaping models of sustainable healthcare systems and strategies able to support and improve the quality of life during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The context of our research is represented by the medical and socioeconomic crises generated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The current pandemic negatively affects healthcare systems, quality of life and the global economy. In this respect, this paper aims to thoroughly scrutinize the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the social and healthcare systems of EU countries, to analyze the impact of human development in the field of the Global Health Security Index and to estimate the relation between resilience and quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research design is quantitative, resorting to the use of both descriptive and inferential statistics, against the background of a long-term comparative approach to the respective situations in the EU-27 countries. Empirical findings are relevant for emphasizing the fact that human development and social progress are predictors for the dynamics of health security measures. Moreover, the quality of the political regime, particularly in the case of full and flawed democracies, is strongly related to a high level of resilience and could influence the perception of quality of life. All of these empirical results could prove valuable for scholars interested in understanding the relationships between democracy, healthcare systems and quality of life, and for political decision makers involved in the effort of reducing the negative effects of COVID-19 in EU-27 countries.

No abstract

No abstract

This chapter discusses social, economic, and demographic realities in Romania and the public policy challenges they present. In common with many other European countries, Romania is experiencing socio-demographic changes including an increase in the number and proportion of older people in the population, increasing life expectancy, decreasing birth and fertility rates and increasing labour migration. All these phenomena have an impact on the labour market which is already under stress due to macroeconomic factors. Education, health and administration are the largest sectors of public employment. The transition to retirement in the public sector is not accompanied by support programmes such as training, shorter or more flexible working hours or intergenerational transfer of skills, all of which could stimulate older adults who wish to remain in paid work. An extension of working life after retirement is possible and salaries can be combined with pensions. Romania faces an increasing deficit in the pension system.

No abstract