Event report

The workshop organised by europedirect Castilla y León Rural, in collaboration with the Regional Government of Castile-Leon (D.G. for External Action), focused on the issue of depopulation of the rural areas of Castile-Leon. The sessions are aimed at rural development technicians and actors. PROGRAMME: 10:00 Welcome to participants Access to zoom and presentation of the session 10:15 Presentation of the Conference on the Future of Europe EUROPE DIRECT Castilla y León Rural 10:30 Presentation: “The Rural Environment in Castilla y León: The Demographic Challenge" Víctor Jolín Garijo, Coordinator of Princal. Director of ED Castilla y León Rural. Francisco Boya Interviewed by Jaime Villanueva. “A decade will not be enough to combat depopulation” | Spain | THE COUNTRY (elpais.com) 10:45 Possible Experiences against Depopulation Video Projection 11:00 Debate 11:30 Conclusions and Closure of the Session CONCLUSIONS Cofe-PROP-2021-07-48907 To achieve stronger rural areas, it is essential to fight depopulation: in the rural areas of Castilla y León, the main challenge to be addressed is ageing and population decline. Specific policies are needed to address this issue that have an impact on the territorial model, employment incentives, improvement of services, communications and transport, housing incentives, access to culture and demographic incentives Reference: Cofe-PROP-2021-07-48874 LEADER methodology and community-led local development (CLLD) are key to achieving stronger rural areas, where women and men are actively involved in policy and decision-making processes, LEADER methodology and community-led local development (CLLD) are essential. The Local Action Groups have demonstrated over the years that they serve to strengthen and energise rural areas. Cofe-PROP-2021-07-48940 Improved connectivity, which remains very poor, particularly with regard to internet access, is essential to achieving more connected and prosperous rural areas. The rural areas of Castile-Leon may miss the opportunity provided with the recovery funds. Joint solutions to the problem of transporting internet access are needed. Cofe-PROP-2021-10-118010: In rural areas, local administrations are key. Have close to the town halls that facilitate the procedures. It’s very important to feel close.