Integrated approaches to address the demographic challenge in Spain

The Spanish Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITERD) is seeking support to consolidate and integrate strategies addressing Spain’s demographic challenges, including population decline, ageing and inter-territorial disparities. This TSI project will contribute to these efforts by providing concrete policy recommendations to inform the development of the new National Strategy for Territorial Equity and the Demographic Challenge. In addition, it will offer proposals to improve the current monitoring and evaluation framework, based on the existing SIDAMUN database (Integrated municipal data information system), and outlining a concept, a mission statement and possible functions and tools for the planned Observatory.

Context 

Spain is a sparsely populated country with an uneven population distribution. 4,000 out of 8,000 municipalities have a population density under 12.5 inhabitants per km2 (considered to be areas at risk of depopulation, according to EU parameters). Additionally, 60% of the territory sustains only 15% of the population. Another important demographic aspect to be considered is the aging of the population. Around 20% of the population in Spain is over 65 years old . However, if we consider rural areas, this number grows to 25%. What is more, if we only analyse towns under 1,000 inhabitants, the rate grows to 31%. In response, the country has implemented various strategies and reforms, including the Plan “130 Measures for the Demographic Challenge” (2021-2024). While the Plan has led to progress, challenges persist, including the need to continue strengthening cross-sectoral collaboration and pursuing a more integrated and streamlined strategic vision. In parallel, more efforts are needed to continue enhancing governance arrangements and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, taking into account evolving demographic trends and challenges. As regards the involvement of regional and local authorities, there is untapped potential in evaluating sub-national strategies aimed at addressing demographic challenges and retaining talent in rural areas. 

Support delivered

Technical support is being delivered through the following outputs: (i) comprehensive diagnostic assessment to evaluate existing demographic strategies in Spain and their effectiveness in addressing population decline, ageing and inter-territorial disparities, (ii) analysis of best practices from other EU and OECD countries and regions that have successfully implemented policies to address demographic change, including in key areas such as rural development; adapting spatial planning, land-use and affordable housing to demographic trends and projections; young talent retention; and access to public services, (iii) comprehensive public consultation process, to inform the development of the New National Strategy for Territorial Equity and the Demographic Challenge, and related milestones, (iv) comprehensive strategic planning and integration of existing projects and lines of action, (v) proposal for strengthened governance, monitoring and evaluation arrangements, (vi) final report and dissemination event.

Expected results

The project is expected to support the development of an integrated strategy to address territorial cohesion and demographic challenges in Spain, with a focus on the challenges experienced by rural areas.