Theoretical aspects of regional sustainable development in the EU and Ukraine

Effective use of the potential of both an individual country and its regions in order to ensure sustainable development is possible only on the basis of conscious, purposeful, scientifically grounded actions on the transformation of regional systems. That is why, the aim of the paper is to provide an analysis of the theoretical aspects of regional sustainable development in the EU and Ukraine, which will create a methodological basis for the further development of practical mechanisms for ensuring balanced regional development. As a main method of research, we use the critical analysis and comparison of normative documents, analytical reports, regional development strategies and scientific publications on the issues of sustainable development. As a result, the authors substantiate the essence of sustainable development and clarified the concept of regional sustainable development. This made it possible to determine its features. The paper also summarizes the institutional framework for ensuring regional sustainable development, including the justification of informal constraints, formal rules and coercive mechanisms. The authors identify vectors for ensuring the regional sustainable development in Ukraine. However, for the effective implementation of certain strategic priorities, a change in the public consciousness is needed in order to understand the importance of regional sustainable development, as well as the definition of clear criteria for the achievement of sustainable development and continuous monitoring of its level. We consider education as one of the most effective tools that will allow the formation of a system of knowledge, skills and competences necessary for the formation of citizens responsible for the future of the country.