Depopulation in Europe: some strategies and solutions in Spain

Developing rural and sparsely populated and ultra-peripheral areas: strategies and actions

25 January 2007

Antonio Arrufat GascónSpanish Federation of Municipalities & Provinces (Member Association of the Council of European Municipalities and

Regions) Vice-president of the Provincial Government of Teruel

REGIONS FOR ECONOMIC CHANGE CONFERENCE

1. The population imbalance in Europe may result in

Increased territorial imbalance Loss in quality of life Underutilisation of existing

infrastucture (budget implications)

Loss of natural, cultural and architectural heritage

Fall in productivity, slow-down of economic growth, loss in competitiveness

Increase in depencency levels Heterogeneity: overpopulation

of large cities and depopulation of rural areas and mountain areas

2. Demographic change at local and regional level – risks of

depopulation patchwork of shrinking and growing

communities (heterogeneity) influences nearly every sphere of life: labour

market, housing, social systems, infrastructure, urban and spatial planning, education, public finance, economic development

challenge to future of public services (rising costs and changing demands)

Rural areas particularly affected

Local and regional authorities cannot afford to remain inactive:Need strategies to slow down depopulation and population shrinkageNeed successful strategies to adapt to a changed reality

3. Demographic evolution of Spanish provinces experiencing depopulation (1950-2000)

0

1.000.000

2.000.000

3.000.000

4.000.000

5.000.000

6.000.000

7.000.000

8.000.000

9.000.000

1950 2000

Total PopulationLoss

Percentage of accumulated population loss in Spain (1950-2000): -454,47 By 2050, Spain will have highest % of people above 65 years (37%)By 2050 expected population decrease of –24%, i.e. 9.4 million

•Objective Attract settlement of entrepreneurs in rural areas

•Instrument: EU Community Initiative LEADER +

•Interterritorial cooperation: 15 local action groups in 4 Autonomous Communities of Spain

4. Example of interregional strategy in Spain

Pilot project NEXOS-EQUALTERUEL: integration of imigrant families in municipalities in the province of Teruel (CI EQUAL)

Help local authorities with rehabilitation of social housing

Creation and opening of “Multiservices” in municipalities without basic services

Launch of new association “HABITATE”

5. Good practice in the Province of Teruel:

attracting and retaining people

6. Local action in Teruel Province:La Cerollera, Camañas y Aguilar de

Alfambra

Socioeconomic impact of local population in repopulation project

Creation of synergies between public and private activities

Creation of jobs, services and housing for new population

Sustainable development plan based on use of local resources

Preservation of local identity/ promotion of intercultural living

Progressive increase of population over last 8 year

7. FEMP proposal: a national fund to fight rural depopulation

Priority Axes: Business development, creation of

employment and increase in quality of life

Promotion of local produce

Investment in alternative energies

Social support and women employment

Housing support

Mobility, accessibility and new technologies

8. FEMP proposal: a national fund to fight rural depopulation

(2)A. Principle: Take as reference point the population loss of a

province in the period 1950-2000 (in year II it would extend until 2001 to take into account variation)

B. Formula: % decline of accumulated population loss x €500

000 (+ anual increas of IPC): Spain (yr.1) = 454,47 x €500 000 = € 227.235.000

C. Management: Entity must have technical capacity and must support a

supramunicipal vision (larger region)

Provincial government and equivalent ideal level

9. Outlook: supporting local and regional authorities to manage

demographic change Help develop and implement innovative approach to

demographic change (foster exchange of practical solutions)

‘Demography Check’: need to review EU policies in light of demographic change (particularly CAP, environment and regional policy)

Realignment of EU Structural Funds and EAFRD – sustain balanced territorial development of EU

Priority to fund necessary adaptations and conversions in localities affected negatively by demographic change

Need EU and national programmes for integrated development of shrinking regions (finances, concepts and instruments to manage change)