Towards Balanced Spatial Development of Russian Federation

Abstract

The spatial policy of the Russian Federation is analyzed against the backdrop of global urbanization trends, the emergence of new agglomerations, and the expansion and merging of existing ones. Two main directions are examined. The first involves supporting and facilitating the development of large agglomerations in Russia through agreements with municipalities within the same region and bordering municipalities of neighboring regions, thereby forming interregional agglomerations. The second aims to mitigate the decline of rural settlements by establishing 20 settlement support centers in each region, each with a 50 km zone of influence. The primary goal is formulated as ensuring sustainable development. Notably, the focus on developing small towns and rural settlements, along with improving the quality of the living environment, both in policy and in government representatives' statements, signals the liberalization of spatial policy. However, there is a lack of scientific and design studies on these matters, including settlement organization schemes and calculations for necessary financial support. Despite setting numerous tasks and priorities for the short term, up to 2025 and 2030, factors that constrain population concentration in interregional agglomerations, such as population decline, aging, vast empty spaces between cities, an impending economic crisis, and increasing natural disasters, are not adequately addressed. These factors cast doubt on the feasibility of achieving several key objectives, including preserving rural settlements and enhancing the living environment's quality. Nevertheless, funding for activities within the framework of modern spatial policy has commenced.