Abstract
Integration in the European Union has faced Romania with new challenges and objectives out of which sustainable development
in rural areas is a priority. A diverse and efficient rural economy is needed, capable of generating resources that will increase the
quality of life and observe environmental protection. The analysis presented in the paper brings into evidence economic, social
and environmental characteristics from the Romanian rural areas, compared to EU-27 and a series of developed countries
(Germany and France) or which joined EU later (Poland and Hungary). The research results highlight major disparities between
Romania and the countries surveyed concerning the development on the principles of sustainability in the rural areas.