Actual Problems of Economics, vol.2, no.10, pp.213-221, 2013 (Scopus)
The basic indicators describing economic, social and demographic situation in the 27 member states of the European Union differ significantly. There are substantial differences between the "old" (EU-15) and the "new" (EU-12) members. Particularly important are the discrepancies in the advancement of agriculture and rural areas, mainly because these areas cover 92% of the EU-27 territory. Rural areas are a vital economic and demographic element of every country. Unfortunately, the existing policies of the state, local governments as well as aid organisations and programmes have not been able to prevent the crisis in these areas from worsening. © Yuriy Bilan, Barbara Chmielewska, 2012.