Abstract:
The EU’s rural areas are characterized by great diversity in terms of natural, socio-economic and institutional conditions and features. Preparation and implementation of rural development strategies and measures determine the need to define and delimitate these areas by using certain criteria. The aim of this paper is to analyze the approaches to defining rural areas at both international and national level, to explore the international classifications and methodology used for delineation of rural areas. For this purpose, a detailed overview of the international literature on the topic and the legislation in Bulgaria related to rural areas, has been made.