摘要
The objective of the work is to define and evaluate the normative approach in the programming and implementation of rural development in the European Union countries. Main focus is to determine the objectives and methods of implementation and achieve these objectives in various ideological documents, strategies, programs, and development policies. The present work was created on the basis of documents and publications by community bodies and institutions as well as open literature on this subject. The study presents ways of defining rural areas, strategies, and development programs in Europe （Lisbon Strategy, Europe 2020 Strategy）, tasks of major Community policies towards rural areas （common agricultural policy, cohesion policy）, Cork ideological declarations, multifunctional development concepts and smart development. Innovative approaches include the concept of smart city, smart village, smart specializations of regions, and the urban-rural partnerships.
