Development of rural and urban areas of the Lower Danube area in Serbia

Abstract

River Danube represents one of the main axis for spatial development and functional networking of settlements in Europe, both at the national and international level. However, despite the central position of Serbia in Danube area in Europe and potentials for integration of the territory in this area, these advantages are not yet valorised appropriately in spatial development of the territory. This paper examines the emergence and development of urban and rural areas within the Lower Danube area in contemporary network of settlements in Serbia. This research is based on the analysis of relevant demographic, spatial, and socio-economic indicators with the aim to identify and critically examine the role and importance of the Danube development axis in linking and integration of urban centers with their surroundings. Results of the research presented in this paper may be significant for further spatial development of Danube area in Serbia. In that context some recommendation and conceptual frameworks are suggested.