Published in Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 25 ISSUE 2
Written by Krum HRISTOV, Rositsa BELUHOVA-UZUNOVA, Grigor TODOROV, Boryana IVANOVA, Mariyana SHISHKOVA

The European Union's long-term vision for rural areas outlined the challenges, opportunities and prospects for rural Europe until 2040. The initiative resulted from a broad discussion among main stakeholders, institutions and the rural community. The CAP strategic plans also contribute to the main priorities of the EU vision. The study aims to outline the main trends in rural areas, focusing on Bulgaria and highlighting recommendations for future balanced and sustainable development of rural territories. The research follows the main action areas set in the strategic paper and analyses tendencies and possible paths until 2040. The results indicate that rural areas are lagging behind in main aspects such as access to essential services, infrastructure, and challenges of depopulation and ageing. In addition, there is a lower quality of life, job opportunities, and career prospects. The balanced development of rural areas requires capacity building based on local community members' participation and increased inclusion to boost innovation implementation and green transition.

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