A comparative study regarding the performance and the efficiency of the public sector in the member states of the European Union

In modern economies, the public authority entrusted to manage the public affairs of the community is the state. In fulfilling their objectives the public decision makers assume a number of tasks according to the doctrines embraced by the government. The government results as an outcome of the election process and thus, faithful to its own doctrine, is more or less invasive in the economy providing more or less protection and public goods consequently increasing or decreasing its spending according to its needs. The final outcome pursued by the state is the welfare of its citizens. Eventually, the way this goal is achieved, as well as the perception the society has regarding the way the state acts is highly correlated to the performance and efficiency of the public sector. Therefore measuring performance and efficiency represent very important tasks in spending public money. The results of these indicators reveal possible changes in managing the public sector.