Potemkin’s Villages: The (Weak) Institutional Framework for Rurality and Rural Policy in Slovenia?

Rural development (RD) is gaining new emphasis in the EU, particularly with the Long-Term Vision for Rural Areas (LTVRA). In Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC), RD policy was introduced with EU accession, with significant funds allocated under the Common Agricultural policy, as well as under broader regional development policy. However, some questions remain: how has the concept of a specific rurality been embraced, and how is it understood and implemented, if at all? The primary aim of this paper is to highlight the specific needs that dictate a specialised approach to rural areas and RD, and, secondly, to propose a framework for more effective integration of RD policies into the national and EU-wide policy landscapes. To achieve this, we employed a mixed-methods approach, including a review of existing policy documents, an analysis of specific case studies within Slovenia, and interviews with key stakeholders in the RD sector. This comprehensive approach allowed us to identify the core areas where current RD policies fall short, and to understand the broader implications of these shortcomings. The results reveal that there is a significant lack of specific, detailed analyses of the real needs within rural areas that would inform more targeted RD policies. Moreover, the current institutional framework and resource allocation practices do not adequately support the effective implementation of RD policies, thereby hindering the achievement of new EU objectives, such as those outlined in the Long-Term Rural Vision (LTRVA). Based on these findings, we propose the establishment of a national rural council, clarification of definitions of rurality, and development of a strategy that would be more aligned with both national and EU visions for rural development. This paper highlights the urgent need for an integrated approach to RD that considers the specific challenges and opportunities faced by rural areas in Slovenia and other EU countries facing similar issues.