As a European Union member state, the Republic of Croatia has also committed itself to raise attention to the balanced development of all its areas. Increasingly significant atten- tion at the European Union level is being paid to the development of rural and mountain- ous areas. The advantages and strengths of these areas have begun to be recognized and through various structural and investment funds, a certain advantage has been given in financing projects coming from these areas. These projects are no longer related exclu- sively to agriculture and forestry as traditional activities of these areas b ut are projects that contribute to the development of both secondary and tertiary sectors These sectors play an increasing share in the generation of new revenues in these areas. In order to accelerate the growth and reduce depopulation from rural and mou ntainous areas, it is necessary to create and implement development measures that will rely more on human development and interconnection and cooperation between different stakeholders in these areas and nearby urban areas. These examples of good practice from the European Union, which with certain adjustments can be applied in the Republic of Croatia, contribute to hold younger population in these areas as well as the creation of new economic added value. Therefore, in future consideration of the developme nt of rural and mountainous areas in the Republic of Croatia, it is necessary to consider all factors that contribute to the development of an area: the ability of people, natural resources of these areas, avail- able capital and the level of technology and entrepreneurship acceptance In accordance with the above factors, we have proposed development measures for rural and mountain- ous areas in the Republic of Croatia that could be financed through the next multiannual financial framework of the European Unio n 2021 2027.