The Role of European Union’s Agricultural Policy in the Development of Rural Areas in Bulgaria
A new review article by Valentin Shlyakov, PhD student at the Department of Geography, Ecology and Environmental Protection, South-West University “Neofit Rilski”, has been published in International Journal of Digital Research, Volume 1, Issue 3 (2025), pp. 53–71.
The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the impact of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) on Bulgaria’s rural development. It examines how CAP instruments under Pillar I (direct payments) and Pillar II (rural development programmes) have influenced the modernization of agriculture, environmental sustainability, economic diversification, and demographic resilience in Bulgaria since its EU accession.
Key findings highlight significant improvements in farm productivity, biodiversity protection, and infrastructure development, while also addressing persistent challenges such as land fragmentation, subsidy inequality, and rural depopulation. The study further offers strategic policy recommendations for the post-2027 period, emphasizing digital transformation, targeted support for small and medium-sized farms, and stronger integration with the EU Green Deal.
🔗 DOI: https://doi.org/10.63711/ijdr.net20250306
📚 Citation: Shlyakov, V. (2025). The Role of European Union’s Agricultural Policy in the Development of Rural Areas in Bulgaria. International Journal of Digital Research, 1(3), 53–71.
