“The depopulation of rural areas is a concern across Europe. That’s why dialogue, idea sharing, and concrete initiatives are essential to improve life in small towns.” French Minister of Territorial Affairs and Rural Development Dominique Faure, visiting Madrid to learn how Spain addresses rural challenges, underscored the need for cross‑border exchange of policies.
During a break in his schedule, he met with the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP) and held a session with mayors, including Javier Ayala, the mayor of Fuenlabrada. The discussion, reported by EL PERIÓDICO DE ESPAÑA from the Prensa Ibérica group, focused on shared experiences in governance and local development.
Q.- In an interview before the visit, there was evident interest in Spain’s decentralized framework. Was that the purpose of the trip?
A.- The primary aim was not to debate decentralization itself but to understand how municipalities, provinces, and autonomous communities function and interact. The minister highlighted the social cohesion seen in Spain, noting conversations with the FEMP president and five mayors about how these levels collaborate on matters such as urban planning, housing, and public safety. He described Spain’s system as more decentralized in certain respects and cited President Macron’s push to relocate housing management more toward regional control. He noted that in France, powers are transferred to autonomous communities, which resembles a transfer to regions rather than a centralized approach. He expressed curiosity about the direction his own government would take and awaited guidance from the presidency.
Q.- There is a well-known paradox in rural Spain: many towns are sparsely inhabited, yet available housing sits empty. Is the situation similar in France?
A.- France faces the same challenge: numerous vacant homes in small towns. Since June of the previous year, the prime minister and the minister have worked on a plan to speed up access to these assets. The proposal envisions renovating empty houses and making them available for sale or rent to young people, with funding allocated to support the effort. Towns across France can apply to benefit from this program. It is often difficult to buy, renovate, and resell or rent an empty dwelling. In many places, towns with just 1,000 residents can have as many as 250 unoccupied houses. The pandemic-era migration patterns did not lead to the expected outflow of residents to larger cities, but rather a shift toward mid-sized centers. This trend helped balance some disparities, yet further resources are needed for mayors of smaller municipalities to manage repopulation. Citizens, elected officials, and associations were engaged in these conversations.
Question-Is the project accompanied by a budget increase from 40 million euros to 100 million euros?
A.- The increase targets the biodiversity program, focusing on forests, land, and rivers. Mayors will be asked to maintain these areas and receive funding to support carbon‑sequestering forests. In parallel, 4.5 billion euros will be invested in regions to foster greener cities and towns that contribute as active actors. To benefit from these measures, communities must pursue energy sustainability.
S.- A forest restoration project in a rural area demonstrated how employment can rebound as natural resources recover.
A.- The core idea is to generate local jobs while restoring forests and population. Rural areas, rivers, and fields should feel like home for residents. Quality of life is a valuable asset, and mayors should be encouraged to develop forests as attractive features for local life.
Question.- Any advice for Spain on addressing population decline?
A.- The goal is not to prescribe solutions but to listen, understand, and learn from good Spanish practices. The French plan for rural areas includes multiple axes, but the aim is to broaden the approach. The focus is on understanding how non-tourist towns in mountainous or coastal regions managed growth. It is not a miracle solution, but a dialogue that invites participation. The first link in building rural vitality is employment. France is reusing old industrial sites, injecting funds to attract new industries, and revitalizing rural spaces. depopulation of rural areas concerns Europe as a whole, and ongoing conversation is essential to improve living standards across borders.
Q.- How was the meeting at FEMP received?
A.- The exchanges with mayors were warmly received. It is uncommon for a minister to join local discussions. He witnessed inspiring examples, such as the Fuenlabrada Co‑Living Table, a network that brings together multiple associations and creates a sense of local belonging. Fuenlabrada, once a Madrid suburb with around 7,000 residents, grew to about 180,000. The initiative demonstrated how social, cultural, and sports groups can collaborate to foster inclusion and mutual respect. It was a remarkable session.
Question.- Life expectancy in rural France has declined. What could be behind this trend?
A.- The trend is troubling. Residents report that travel time to a doctor or hospital can be a barrier, but it is not the sole explanation. While Western Europe aims for universal hospital access, the exact causes require deeper analysis. The concern remains that access disparities influence health outcomes in rural areas.
Question- There is talk of reviving rural mobility with small, battery-powered trams. What does that entail?
A.- The plan envisions using existing rail corridors to enable rapid regional transport. The objective is to coordinate state and rail operators to provide efficient service in remote communities without laying new tracks. It is about leveraging current infrastructure for a meaningful, collaborative project between the state and rail networks.
Question- Earlier in the year, French winegrowers faced a difficult harvest and a spillover effect on cross‑border commerce. What is the minister’s view?
A.- Several southern French regions, including the Western Pyrenees, faced crop losses due to mold and drought. Irrigation restrictions compounded the challenge, and farmers seek compensation from the state. The minister expressed solidarity with the vintners and emphasized ongoing financial support and subsidies in collaboration with the Agriculture Ministry. He stressed that responsibility and dialogue should guide actions rather than confrontational measures, with an emphasis on sustained communication.
Q.- Is there a plan to transport green hydrogen from Spain via the H2Med corridor?
A.- The concept of green hydrogen relies on electrolysis powered by renewable energy. France notes a different approach, with hydrogen production largely tied to decarbonized, yet not purely green, energy sources. The two countries could pursue complementary roles, with shared opportunities to move energy across borders. The idea is that both sides can benefit from collaboration, allowing fuel to move toward strategic hubs like Marseille while ensuring that energy strategies remain practical and effective for both nations.
Q.- Will the high-speed rail connection between Spain and France be feasible in the near future?
A.- Memory suggests a timeline around 2040, with the Montpelier to Perpignan corridor near the Spanish border expected to advance. The broader project remains under consideration, with many technical and political factors to align before completion.