The Context of Rural–Urban Relationships in Finland, France, Hungary, The Netherlands and Spain

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive view of the empirical research findings concerning rurban relationships in different European countries (Finland, France, Hungary, the Netherlands and Spain), through two types of rurban territories: those that are placed close to (or included in) a metropolitan area and those that are close to (and influenced by) an important tourist area or place. Its main aim is to show the diversity of European experiences with regard to urban pressure in this type of areas, highlighting the socio-economic and institutional contexts in explaining similarities and differences between five countries. The results will review the various meanings of ‘rural’ and ‘rurality’ in different European contexts and how the study areas combine the characteristics of a rural and an urban area. Moreover, we will see that urban pressure is not perceived as a negative process by many but, rather, the opposite. Further, the multi-functionality of rural areas has often implied an excessive focus on new external urban demands in detriment of enhancing other traditional functions. Given these situations, institutions do not always provide efficient responses to changing rurban areas.

Keywords:

• Urban pressure in rural areas
• rural planning and development
• rural goods and services
• rurban areas in Europe

Notes

Both definitions can be found in A Dictionary of Geography (Mayhew, 2004), Oxford Reference Online (Oxford University Press). Universidad de Valencia, 15 julio 2006. Available at http://www.oxfordreference.com/.

As Friends of the Earth reported, the CAP contributed to pushing small farmers out of production with the consequent perverse effects on rural habitats (http://www.choosefoodchoosefarming.org/index.htm/).