STIMULATING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL TERRITORIES OF THE NORTHWESTERN REGION OF UKRAINE IN THE CONDITIONS OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION

Abstract

The purpose of the work is to determine effective mechanisms for stimulating the sustainable development of rural areas of the North-Western region of Ukraine, taking into account European integration challenges and opportunities. The study used an interdisciplinary approach that combines the methods of system analysis, statistical evaluation and theoretical elaboration. Official statistical data, reports of local authorities and European support programs were used. An analysis was conducted to identify strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats to the sustainable development of rural areas. The expert survey method was used to clarify the impact of decentralization and innovative initiatives on the development of the region. The logical generalization method was used to develop recommendations for the integration of regional development policy with European standards of sustainable development. The article examines approaches to stimulating the development of rural areas based on the implementation of European management standards and the use of innovative approaches. The role of decentralization, the development of small and medium-sized businesses, as well as the implementation of digital solutions to increase the productivity of the agricultural sector and improve the quality of life of the rural population is examined. The impact of EU technical assistance programs that contribute to increasing the environmental responsibility of the population and expanding access of local communities to financial resources is determined. Strategies for increasing the efficiency of regional management are studied, including optimizing the use of natural resources, developing infrastructure and ensuring the integration of local communities into European markets. The main problems of sustainable development associated with the insufficient level of investment, migration processes, etc. are identified. It is found that sustainable development of rural areas is possible under the conditions of coordination of efforts of local, regional and state authorities, as well as with the active participation of civil society. The need to improve regional development policy, focused on achieving long-term results in the economic, social and environmental spheres, is proven.