THE ROLE OF SMALL TOWNS OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA IN THE CONTEXT OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The sustainable regional development is an imperative assumed by the Republic of Moldova in front of the European Union for equitable distribution of development opportunities throughout the country. In Republic of Moldova, the role of small towns in the context of regional development is discussed in several strategic documents, in the regional development policy, priority is given to small towns, which ensure social, economic and territorial cohesion with the rural areas higher, compared with the middle cities. The achievement of this goal is supported by development projects, with an increased impact on rural communities as well. This article will research the country's policy framework and development strategies to identify, separately, cities that can become poles of economic growth and cities as urban development poles for balanced regional development rather than development peripherals proposed so far in the Republic of Moldova.