Canary Islands Government Extends Cooperation with FECAM to Combat Rural Depopulation

Overview

The Canary Islands government announced a four-year extension to its cooperation agreement with FECAM (Federation of Municipalities) to combat rural depopulation through housing initiatives.

This agreement, originally signed in 2021, funds projects like:

• Building rental homes
• Rehabilitating unused municipal properties
• Improving private residences that meet certain conditions

"This initiative aims to make small villages more livable and economically viable, directly impacting quality of life for local residents and expats alike."

These efforts are intended to:

• Stabilize small communities by boosting affordable housing
• Preserve local life, which matters for residents facing ongoing population decline.

Details of the Extension

The extension, approved in June 2025, reflects the administration’s ongoing commitment to rural development and allows more time to implement key housing programs under the 2020-2025 Plan.

It also updates procedures for:

• Granting subsidies
• Streamlining processes for municipalities
• Ensuring better coordination

Broader Context

Given Spain's broader struggle with rural depopulation, this initiative aims to:

• Make small villages more livable and economically viable
• Directly impact quality of life for residents and expatriates

The move underscores the government's focus on maintaining vibrant rural communities amid demographic shifts.