1a: Collect various definitions; afbakingen and the criteria used and the reasons behind that are in use for the Flemish countryside. 1b: A brief analysis of the operationalization of the concept of rural areas in the neighboring countries and possibly regions which are morphologically similar to Flanders. 2a: discussion of pros and cons of the various definitions, definitions and criteria. 2b: analysis and synthesis of the different variants for a dynamic set of criteria as a function of distinguishing policy objectives. 2c: enekel specific questions