Alina Profiroiu, Corina Cristiana Nastacă
This study aims to examine the role and significance of the inter-municipal cooperation process in Romania. The research is a pilot study conducted with the purpose of better understanding the role and importance of the inter-municipal cooperation structures, focusing on one Romanian county. The aim is to analyse the impact of the inter-municipal cooperation structures on local development, the main motivations of administrative territorial units to join in these associations, and the main problems encountered in their activities. The most relevant findings of the study indicate that: (1) the representatives of local communities affiliated with these associations report high levels of satisfaction regarding their participation in IDAs and the impact on local development; (2) the main motivations behind joining such associations are the enhancement of public services and improved access to European Union funding; (3) the primary benefit of membership is the improvement of citizens' quality of life and (4) the main obstacles facing these associations consist of complex administrative procedures and the economic and social context.