DEPOPULACIONI KLASTER – NASELJA SA 20 I MANJE STANOVNIKA U SRBIJI
DEPOPULATION CLUSTER: SETTLEMENTS WITH 20 OR LESS INHABITANTS IN SERBIA

Summary/Abstract: The paper delves into the pressing issue of depopulation in European rural areas since the 1950s, exacerbated by urbanization and resulting in stark socioeconomic disparities. Depopulation, marked by the departure of the youth, signifies the decline of rural communities. It extends beyond regional concerns, affecting metropolitan areas as well. The Spatial Plan of the Republic of Serbia recognizes this issue, emphasizing the need for sustainable spatial development. State policies vary, from stimulating living in depopulated regions to accepting depopulation as inevitable. In Serbia, a shift from neoliberalism to ecosystem revitalization is evident, protecting natural assets over providing state support. The research emphasizes the interconnected challenges, including climate change, energy crises, and epidemics, forecasting potential abandonment of arable land. Urgent intervention is crucial to prevent rural European areas from transforming into anthropogenic brownfields. This research systematically examines depopulated areas in Serbia, focusing on settlements and their surrounding environments. It aims to analyze changes in the size and structure of territories with 20 or fewer inhabitants post the 2022 census and identify clusters indicating regional depopulation trends, with a secondary focus on the age structure of the remaining population in these areas. According to the 2022 census in Serbia, there are 417 settlements with 20 or fewer inhabitants, indicating a rise of 194 settlements since 2011. These settlements cover 3,383.3 km2 or 3.82% of Serbia’s territory, with an average population age of 62 years. The study identifies clusters of depopulation, with 347 settlements meeting the criteria and covering 3,256 km2. The research highlights the homogenization and spatial expansion of depopulated clusters, with the Zaječarska and Toplička regions showing the highest consolidation. Notably, there are clusters with a relatively younger population than the national average, suggesting potential resilience or unique factors influencing depopulation. The growth of abandoned settlements extends beyond municipal boundaries, emphasizing shared development challenges in specific regions.

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