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A Comparative Analysis of Rural–Urban Disparities in Selected Central and Eastern European Countries in the Context of Global Transformations

Author

Listed:
  • Madalina Laura Ionescu

    (School of Advanced Studies of the Romanian Academy – SCOSAAR, National Institute for Economic Research “Costin C. Kiriţescu”, Romanian Academy, Romania)

  • Rudy Ujang

    (Universiti Teknologi MARA Sarawak Branch, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Malaysia)

  • Mihalcea Viorel Mihai

    (Doctoral School of Economics II, Faculty of Agrifood and Environmental Economics, Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania)

  • Irene Papadopol

    (Doctoral School of Economics II, Faculty of Agrifood and Environmental Economics, Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania)

  • Izzat Al-Hadi Razali

    (Universiti Teknologi MARA Sarawak Branch, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Malaysia)

Abstract

This paper analyzes the relationship between the degree of urbanization and the main dimensions of quality of life in Central and Eastern European countries, using a set of secondary statistical indicators from the Eurostat database for the period 2021–2024. The research is based on a descriptive-analytical and comparative approach, structured according to the DEGURBA Level 2 classification, which distinguishes between municipalities, cities, and suburbs, as well as rural areas. The indicators analyzed focus on access to basic services (education), road mobility performance, housing structure, housing cost pressure, and subjective life satisfaction. The results highlight the existence of clear rural–urban gradients, particularly regarding mobility and housing typology, with high accessibility to primary education in most of the analyzed countries, but with visible differences in dispersed rural areas. The conclusions underscore the existence of relatively stable territorial patterns, marked by historical and structural characteristics common to the region, but also by internal contrasts specific to each country.

Suggested Citation

  • Madalina Laura Ionescu & Rudy Ujang & Mihalcea Viorel Mihai & Irene Papadopol & Izzat Al-Hadi Razali, 2026. "A Comparative Analysis of Rural–Urban Disparities in Selected Central and Eastern European Countries in the Context of Global Transformations," Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development Studies, "Dunarea de Jos" University of Galati, Doctoral Field Engineering and Management in Agriculture and Rural Development, issue 1, pages 217-229.
    • Handle: RePEc:ddj:ejards:y:2026:i:1:p:217-229
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.35219/jards.2026.1.14
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Daniela- Luminita CONSTANTIN, 2021. "Addressing Spatial Justice At Lower Territorial Levels. Some Insights From The Central And East European Countries' Perspective," Regional Science Inquiry, Hellenic Association of Regional Scientists, vol. 0(2), pages 315-326, June.
    2. George C. Petrakos, 1996. "The Regional Dimension of Transition in Central and East European Countries: An Assessment," Eastern European Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 34(5), pages 5-38, October.
    3. Adriana AnaMaria Davidescu & Tamara Maria Nae & Margareta-Stela Florescu, 2024. "From Policy to Impact: Advancing Economic Development and Tackling Social Inequities in Central and Eastern Europe," Economies, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-25, January.
    4. Maciej Smętkowski, 2013. "Regional Disparities in Central and Eastern European Countries: Trends, Drivers and Prospects," Europe-Asia Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 65(8), pages 1529-1554, October.
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