Developing a definition of functional rural areas in the EU
- Rural Pact
- Stronger Rural Areas
- Access to services
- Demography
- Connected rural areas
- Infrastructure
- Transport and mobility
A recent paper by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) proposes a methodology for the definition of functional rural areas in the EU and seeks feedback on the method and results.
The paper features a description of the methodology in layman’s terms and a comparison of functional rural areas’ population and area size with those of smaller units (municipalities) and larger units (NUTS-3 regions). It makes the case for using functional areas for a more robust picture of population change and distance to schools than one based on municipalities, and more detailed than one based on NUTS-3 regions.
Functional rural areas can inform policies that promote access to services and respond to demographic change. They can also be used to inform transport infrastructure investments and public transport provision.
