REV)STA DE ECONOM)E SOC)ALĂ 26 Vol. ))) • Nr. 5/2013 SOCIAL ECONOMY IN ROMANIA: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT [1] Simona Maria Stănescu [2] , Cătălin Luca [3] , Alina Bocai [Ͷ] , Romeo Asiminei [5] , Daniela Vîrjan [6] Abstract The article explores development potential of Romanian social economy ȋSEȌ by projecting some solutions and recommendations for the sustainable development of SE in Romania. The article presents scenarios for the development of the SE in Romania. )n the first scenario, the social enterprises enjoy the same regime as any other economical agent, having a facilitate access to the institutional and financial resources. )n the second scenario, social enterprises are being promoted through specific support mechanisms. We have identified two strategic options in the second scenario: supporting the social enterprises independently from the employ‐ ment of the vulnerable groups and promoting, besides social enterprises, the social insertion enterprises orientated towards employing vulnerable groups. Undertak‐ ing any of the two scenarios involves a series of recommendations regarding the financial, legal, institutional and social framework that is being analyzed. The article argues that fulfilling the obligations as a member state of the European Union in‐ [1] Fragments from the article belong to the Recommendations report for the 2013 Romanian social economy within the project ŢOSDRU The Model of social economy in Romania co‐financed through the Social European Fund and implemented by Alternative Sociale Association in partnership with the University Alexandru )oan Cuza from )aşi, the Academy of Economical Studies and the United Nations Ţrogram for Development Romania. [2] Sociologist, Research )nstitute for ţuality of Life, Romanian Academy, 13 Sep‐ tembrie Road, no. 13, Bucharest 5, e‐mail: simona_vonica@yahoo.com. [3] Ţsychologist, Social Alternatives Association from )ași, 8A, Cuza Vodă Street, e‐ mail: cluca@alternativesociale.ro. [Ͷ] United Nations Ţrogram for Development Romania, Ͷ8A, Ţrimăverii Blvd, Bu‐ charest 1, e‐mail: alina.bocai@undp.org. [5] Sociologist, University Alexandru )oan Cuza from )aşi, Faculty of Ţhilosophy and Socio‐Ţolitical Science, the Department of Sociology and Social Assistance, 11, Carol ) Blvd, 700506, e‐mail: romeoasiminei@yahoo.com. [6] Economist, the Academy of Economical Studies, Bucharest, e‐mail: daniela_vir‐ jan@yahoo.com.