A development theoretical approach examines the relationship between public policy-making and implementation processes at different levels that promote freedom of action and participation. It also considers the real opportunities people have, depending on various social and personal factors. Despite the Russian aggression in the east of Ukraine that began in early 2014, the country launched a wide-ranging reform process in 2015 focused on implementing social, economic, and environmental transformations and strengthening the democratic system. This was in line with international directives for sustainable development strategies. The purpose of this article is to analyze the relationship between the European Union's policy for sustainable rural development and its implementation possibilities in various aspects of life including the economy, society, ecology, and institutions to support sustainable rural development in Ukraine. The methodology used for the analysis includes a report on monitoring progress in achieving sustainable development goals in the EU and Ukraine, with a focus on agriculture and rural areas. The analysis draws from directives of the European Union Commission, and primary and secondary sources. The study's results indicate significant differences in the analyzed indicators of the global goals of sustainable development between urban and rural areas, suggesting disparities in long-term access to various economic, social, environmental, and institutional programs for the rural population. The article's scientific novelty lies in its detailed analysis of indicators related to the sustainable development goals for agriculture and rural areas and how they align with the objectives of the common European agricultural policy. The practical value of the analysis results is that they can be used in planning future projects for rural communities or agricultural enterprises to improve their social and economic situations.