This paper outlines policy responses designed to help the Netherlands tackle rural discontent. The first section highlights trends among OECD urban and rural regions across various indicators that contribute to inequalities between urban and rural TL3 regions, particularly in terms of economic performance and well-being. The second section reviews policy recommendations identified in the OECD Regional Outlook 2023 and the OECD Recommendation on Regional Policy, aiming to address the enduring inequalities among TL3 regions. The third section explores six policy domains intended to mitigate rural discontent, drawing on insights to enhance the performance of the rural economy and improve well-being standards in OECD rural regions. Finally, the fourth section extracts valuable lessons from France, Sweden, and the United Kingdom that could be relevant for the Netherlands.
Rural discontent
Social unease and quality of life in the rural countryside
