Futures of rural and peripheral areas

Regional processes have transformed rural and peripheral areas throughout Europe through spatial, functional and social changes and in terms of stagnating economies as well as population decline. In response to this, the so-­‐called 'new rural paradigm' was developed where key elements are a focus on places rather than sectors and on investments rather than subsidies, stressing the need for building on local strengths and qualities. An overall goal within the EU is to pursue economic, social and territorial cohesion and although Danish policies aim for balanced regional growth and development various reforms seem to pull in a different direction. More specifically, a range of reforms has been consolidating functions and institutions and thereby centralizing growth and development. This article discusses challenges, futures and possibilities on rural and peripheral areas in Denmark and identifies a potential mismatch between different policies, reforms and strategies in relation to challenges of these areas.