The Right to Stay: A Statistical Overview of Rural Europe

Across Europe, demographic and economic changes are changing where people live and work. Using Eurostat data, this talk explores the ‘right to stay’ through population trends, regional economics and access to services. In this session we focus on predominantly rural regions and small towns. The talk presents how demographic decline, labour shortages and limited infrastructure create pressures to move, especially among younger and working-age populations. At the same time, it explores how these trends vary across Member States and regions, demonstrating that ‘staying’ is influenced by complex factors. We will also discuss gender differences and quality of life indicators in rural areas.