Specific Elements of the Public Internal Control in Countries of the European Union

The concern for greater efficiency in the public sector has determined the application in countries of the European Union of the public internal control systems, stemm from the desire of management of national funds in economic conditions. This paper addresses such issues relating to highlighting elements reflecting the importance of the control function in the management process; and identifying the characteristics of the elements constituting the control systems in countries belonging to the European Union, which were grouped into two categories depending on the date of accession to the union, using public internal control related data provided by the European Commission. Particular attention is given to highlight the characteristics of the control system applied in Romania compared to other states. Research has revealed a greater number of similarities in the characteristics of the control systems of internal public in countries that joined the Union after 1990, compared with those who became members before this year, concerning the financing of the sector public, the accounting system applied, the coordination of such a system, who bears responsibility for financial management, or the limits of managerial responsibility.

Wastewater reclamation and reuse in China:Opportunities and challenges

The growing water stress both in terms of water scarcity and quality deterioration promotes the development of reclaimed water as a new water resource use. This paper reviewed wastewater reuse practices in China, and the opportunities and challenges of expanding reclaimed water use were analyzed. Rapid urbanization with the increasing of water demand and wastewater discharge provides an opportunity for wastewater reuse. The vast amount of wastewater discharge and low reclaimed water production mean that wastewater reuse still has a great potential in China. Many environmental and economic benefits and successful reclamation technologies also provide opportunities for wastewater reuse. In addition, the overall strategy in China is also encouraging for wastewater reuse. In the beginning stage of wastewater reclamation and reuse, there are many significant challenges to expand wastewater reuse in China including slow pace in adopting urban wastewater reuse programs, the establishment of integrated water resources management framework and guidelines for wastewater reuse programs, incoherent water quality requirements, the limited commercial development of reclaimed water and the strengthening of public awareness and cooperation among stakeholders.