Rural Policy Report

The Government’s Rural Policy Report describes the state of Finland’s rural areas, the factors driving change, and presents a vision for 2040 along with objectives and recommendations for renewing rural vitality.

The report examines the distinctive characteristics of rural areas, regional differentiation, and place based opportunities. Rural areas function differently from cities, and societal changes create specific rural impacts, pose challenges, and open new opportunities. Demographic development is a key driver of change. 

Rural areas hold significant potential for strengthening well-being, the economy, and comprehensive security. The report includes five cross-sectoral strategic objectives and 23 recommendations to realize this potential and renew rural vitality. These relate to accessibility, economic structures, local operating conditions, well-being and trust, knowledge of rural, and rural policy planning.

The report serves as a strategic tool for government decision-making and EU advocacy. Its time horizon extends into the 2040s.

This is the third report of its kind; previous reports were published in 1993 and 2009.

The preparation of the report was carried out in a cross-sectoral manner, involving approximately 2,400 stakeholders.

The English translation of the report will be published on the website later.