Sweden hosts first PROXIMITIES Stakeholder Group Meeting

On August 21st, Varberg's rural council met as part of the PROXIMITIES Project to explore sustainable development strategies for the peri-urban countryside. The  meeting focused on exchanging experiences with local stakeholders and assessing how best to meet the evolving needs of rural communities.

During the meeting, participants were asked to reflect on the strengths of their community, define the key characteristics of the peri-urban area, and identify desired local services. Discussions also included which services could be located farther away and the preferred modes of transport to access them.

This dialogue is part of an ongoing effort to enhance municipal planning and revise Varberg's rural strategy. The discussions are informed by the municipality’s new comprehensive plan and new insights into residents' travel patterns and service access need. Future dialogues will continue to build on this knowledge to support sustainable and well-planned development in the region.