The models of management in rural development in Serbia and the countries of the Western Balkans in the conditions of European integrations

Beginning with the theoretical survey of social, economic, ecological and institutional relevancy of rural development, the work explores vital potentials, priorities and challenges of rural development, together with basic reasons for contrivance of the model of rural development in the Republic of Serbia and the countries of the Western Balkans in the conditions of Euro integrations. After the insight into the related literature, the necessity of solving problems of rural development as integrated and compatible with specificity of particular region in contemporary conditions is emphasized, since no generally accepted universal model of sustainable rural development exists, but depends on rural developmental potentials and social and economic surroundings. Although the policy of sustainable rural development of European Union is not perfect per se, it still provides the best and strongest support to social and territorial cohesion of rural regions and is significant primarily as a reference base for the outline of further strategy and policy of rural development of the Republic of Serbia and the countries of the Western Balkans from the viewpoint of their more effective endogenic development and EU integration. The countries of the Western Balkans have suitable preconditions for successful application of the concept of integral rural development; however, there are numerous limitations in the development of these regions in the process of European integrations. These countries are faced with significant structural changes in the economic, organizational and management structure in terms of new EU rural policy. Therefore, all countries conduct reforms aimed at harmonization and strengthening connections with major priorities of EU rural development; hence a suitable model of rural development is still being shaped in practice. The ultimate effect of these changes is related to strengthening of local entrepreneuring and organizational activities and initiatives, the network of local organizations of civic society and local action groups in the function of improvement of competitive abilities of rural economy. Defining clear and realizable strategic aims and priorities, as well as their implementation will be of decisive importance for contrivance of the model of rural development in the Republic of Serbia and other countries of the Western Balkans in the future. Significant unsolved issued were identified together with the courses of regulatory reforms of development of rural regions in these countries. Intersectoral and interregional connection, decentralization and strengthening the role of local factors in the creation and realization of strategies in policy, model and practice of rural development have a strong effect on more efficient activation of localresources, increase of attractiveness for investment in rural regions and more rational utilization of finance for the development of rural communities. Demographic revitalization of rural regions, promotion of rural economy and entrepreneurial stimulation of the programs of development of small and medium enterprises, as well as environmental protection and facilitation are of vital significanc