WHAT DO PUBLIC POLICIES TEACH US ABOUT RURAL DEPOPULATION: THE CASE STUDY OF SPAIN

This study evaluates the policies developed in Spain to address depopulation and explains the reasons for their low effectiveness. We consider that the low impact of these policies is due to an incorrect diagnosis and design in terms of their content and governance. Therefore, we propose that depopulation policies should have the objective of enabling citizens to reside where they wish and obtain the best possible quality of life. These policies should be implemented within a new governance framework in which the foundations on which they are based and the way in which they are implemented are renewed. With the support of the European Union, such action could be carried out more efficiently and could constitute a reference of successful territorial cohesion contributing to erasing the populist opinion in places that believe that they do not matter.

Automated summary

This study evaluates the policies in Spain addressing depopulation, pointing out their low effectiveness due to incorrect diagnosis and design. It suggests that depopulation policies should aim to enable citizens to live where they wish and have the best quality of life, and should be implemented within a new governance framework. The support of the European Union could make these actions more efficient and serve as a successful example of territorial cohesion.