Published in Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 25 ISSUE 2
Written by Zuzana PALKOVA, Marieta OKENKOVA

Rural development in Slovakia faces significant challenges due to the absence of a comprehensive, cross-sectoral strategy that integrates efforts across various governmental and local entities. This case study explores the impacts of this strategic gap, drawing on recent data and stakeholder insights from Slovakia’s involvement in the EU Rural Pact and the PoliRuralPlus project. Analysis shows that the fragmentation of responsibilities among ministries and local agencies hinders Slovakia's ability to implement cohesive policies for rural revitalization. Key challenges include inefficient resource allocation, lack of stakeholder coordination, and missed opportunities for economic development. This paper presents an assessment of the barriers to cross-sectoral coordination, proposes a framework for integrated rural policy, and discusses how a structured strategy could foster sustainable rural development. The proposed framework includes the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Rural Development Council, a Joint Rural Development Fund, and enhanced community-led development mechanisms. Findings suggest that implementing these measures could significantly improve policy coherence, optimize resource use, and enhance rural resilience. The study concludes with recommendations for policy integration, future research directions, and best practices for fostering long-term rural sustainability.

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