The Cross-Border Cooperation of Rural Areas in the Context of Convergence-Integration Processes

Abstract

The article discloses the importance of cross-border cooperation of Ukrainian rural areas in the context of convergence-integration processes in Ukraine in the context of the European vector of development of foreign economic relations. The regulatory framework and peculiarities of such cooperation are analyzed on the example of Zakarpatska Oblast. The means of increasing the efficiency of cooperation in order to deepen and develop the cross-border economic ties are proposed. Modern European countries are in a state of constant integration changes due to globalization and great interdependence, especially in the economic sense. Thus, cross-border cooperation is an important component of convergence processes, which largely shapes the agenda of European integration of our country. Ukraine has significant potential in the agricultural sector, cooperation with European neighbors in rural areas and agricultural districts deserves attention and a detailed study. In addition, a qualitatively new cross-border zone with the Member States of the European Union is being formed. Therefore, it is considered expedient to research the processes of interpenetration and integration of Ukrainian rural areas next to the State border. Recently, Ukraine has been distributing and implementing initiatives and projects aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s relations with neighboring countries, in particular with the European Union. To promote such cooperation in the border areas, the formation of appropriate infrastructure has begun, which is an important element for the successful implementation of the planned projects. The Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union provides for a wide range of opportunities for the modernization of regional policy, the implementation of cross-border cooperation and the development of rural areas. At the same time, the integration and convergence of border rural areas is the key to strengthening trade, economic and other relations between the countries.

Keywords

• cross-border cooperation
• rural areas
• convergence
• integration
• ukraine