Re-use of rural houses

What is the problem?

Rural depopulation is a big issue in European countries that refers to the gradual decline of inhabitants in countryside areas, often caused by a combination of limited economic opportunities, declining services, and migration toward urban centers.

What should be done?

Utilization of houses in rural areas (renovations, incentives for people to move there) and other buildings, such as abandoned industrial buildings, to be used as communal spaces for community building purposes. However, what needs to be done at the same time is to ensure that people who move to rural areas have access to employment. This can be enhanced by strengthening teleworking dality in jobs that it is feasible. 

Who should act?

This is mainly a national act, which would require coordination among several layers of administration and transparency, as to who owns properties. 

What impact will it have?

The proposal measures address both the physical and social dimensions of depopulation and can improve the degrading challenge of particular rural areas.