Depopulation and Public Policies in Rural Central Europe. The Hungarian and Polish Cases

Résumé

The aim of this study is to present state and local programs to reduce and stop rural depopulation in two Central European countries (Poland and Hungary). The proportion of the rural population is higher in these countries than in the western half of the continent, so managing migration processes is of great importance. We present the main trends and causes of depopulation and good examples of state and local measures taken against them, as well as urban and rural demographic changes. In addition to the presentation of statistical data, the study also includes and specific cases of certain programs of the main state policies and regional, local projects.