RURAL POLICY OF SERBIA AND THE NETHERLANDS: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

The global trend of rural depopulation is a new challenge of the 21st century. As people migrate from rural areas to cities, the potential for growth in these areas diminishes. As the global population increases, the demand for food production relies heavily on agriculture, which is primarily carried out in rural areas. Serbia and the Netherlands share a common issue, but the circumstances surrounding it vary. The research methodology involves comparing data, followed by analysis and synthesis to draw meaningful conclusions. The criteria for comparison include demographic indicators, indicators of social well-being, and indicators of economic structure and performance. The results indicate that the Netherlands has more practical solutions for issues, a more content rural population, and better conditions for implementing rural policies. Regarding Serbia, the policy for rural areas is currently in the developmental phase.