The Council of Europe’s Congress of Local and Regional Authorities called for locally tailored policies to counter rural depopulation, drawing on a report presented at its 51st session. The priorities center on improving infrastructure and essential services and creating jobs, supported by national economic policies and European funding. Over the past decade, many rural regions, mainly in eastern and southern Europe, recorded population declines exceeding 10%, with some approaching 30%. Population losses reduce the availability of workers and skills and make public services harder to sustain. Deteriorating services can, in turn, accelerate departures. Local and regional priorities include investment in transport and high-speed internet, maintaining and expanding education and vocational training, and supporting business development. Affordable housing and access to essential services are also central. Responses should reflect local circumstances and involve residents, including younger generations, in their design. National authorities were urged to develop economic policies based on rural areas’ assets and make greater use of European funding instruments, including those offered by the Council of Europe Development Bank.
Council of Europe calls for tailored policies and investment to counter rural depopulation
The Council of Europe’s Congress of Local and Regional Authorities urged locally tailored policies to tackle rural depopulation. A report presented at its 51st session highlighted population losses exceeding 10% in many rural regions over the past decade, with some approaching 30%. Priorities include better infrastructure and essential services, alongside business development and job creation, backed by national economic policies and European funding.