Eu. Maruniak, V. Nahirnaia, L. Rudenko, V. Sekeli. COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE CONDITION OF RURAL AREAS IN UKRAINE AND SLOVAKIA (IN THE CONTEXT OF EUROINTEGRATION)

The final choice of the European vector and the signing of the Association Agreement with the EU make us think about the prospects and consequences of integration for various sectors of the Ukrainian economy and for different segments of the population. Rural area is a subject of a particular interest in this context. Over the centuries, it was not only the basis of social life but also the center of national traditions, the preservation of the natural and cultural heritage. The article assesses the key features of the modern rural area of Ukraine, as well as the historical preconditions for its formation. The dynamics of individual socio-economic indicators and trends in spatial development are analyzed. Special attention is paid to the development of rural areas in the context of globalization, accession to the WTO, reform of public policy. A separate part is taken by the review of the consequences of the Europeanization of the countryside of Slovakia. Having some deficits of management typical for the post-Soviet space, the state had to adapt to new political, economic, social conditions and requirements of the EU agricultural policy. According to the assessments, this process was reflected in a number of transformations (in land use, production and export potential), and as a result – in certain risks for the quality of life of the rural population. The outcomes identified common gaps in the development of the countryside of Slovakia and Ukraine. Among them is the problem of part-time employment of rural population, the imperfection of price policy on products produced in rural areas, low quality of life of rural population, decline of rural areas. The need for a thorough analysis of the experience of the countries of Eastern Europe acquired during the European integration processes was noted.