Policies of Sustainable Development of EU Cities and Regions in Conditions of Decentralization: Theoretical and Methodological Aspect

Abstract. Introduction. EU countries are developing effective strategies for achieving the goals of sustainable development at different levels in connection with the processes of decentralization and within the synergy of different policies. The author is considering the challenges of globalization which humanity can face with in the EU in the context of creating opportunities based on sustainable development. Purpose. The purpose of the article is developing the conceptual foundations, structuring and methodological foundations of ensuring policies for the sustainable development of EU cities and regions in conditions of decentralization. Results. It was determined that the sustainable development policy of the EU and EU member states is characterized by vertical levels of implementation of sustainable development policies which are aimed to achieve global, national and subnational (regional and local) development in relation to the processes of political, administrative and fiscal decentralization. Separate integrated policy provides horizontal components of implementation (economic, social, environmental) within the scope of ensuring sustainable development goals (SDGs). The authors consider decentralization processes as legal, administrative and financial basis for the effective implementation of sustainable development policies in the EU. An important synergistic component of the implementation of sustainable development policies are regional and local Programs. According to this, institutions of various levels have been created in the EU to consolidate the efforts of governments and states. The EU has created a methodology for calculating integrated indicators of the social, economic and environmental dimensions. On the basis of the methodology is constantly carried out monitoring and evaluation of indicators for achieving operational goals. The EU follows a policy of standardization, which is successful thanks to cooperation with international organizations. Conclusions. The viability and modernity of EU sustainable development policies are indisputable because of the issue of achieving the goals of sustainable development is in the field of view of constantly operating conferences and discussion clubs. A feature, which characterizes the sustainable development policies of regions and cities, is reasonable specialization to achieve sustainable development of communities in connection with innovativeness and scientific foundations of development.