![Europe's regional disparities inflame anger and despair 1 Angelos Vavlekis, a civil engineer who has started an agricultural project near Katapola, on the island of Amorgos, Greece, walks through the land he farms, on April 4, 2024.](https://img.lemde.fr/2024/04/29/0/0/2835/2126/664/0/75/0/4959757_1714406429224-dscf0773.jpg)
In the heart of Calabria, Teresa Rossi, a 58-year-old, navigates the struggles of a region left behind by Italy’s economic policies. With the ‘citizens’ income’ canceled, she grapples with unemployment and supporting her adult children. Calabria’s hardship extends to a growing population living below the poverty line, overshadowed by the influence of the ‘Ndrangheta mafia.
The disparity in EU regions mirrors Calabria’s plight, exposing a divide between prosperous capitals and neglected rural areas. While some countries have made economic strides, hyper-metropolization persists, concentrating wealth in urban centers.
The struggle of regions like Calabria underscores the need for inclusive economic development, addressing the gap between urban and rural areas to create a more balanced and equitable society.
‘Phenomenon of hyper-metropolization’
As Europe moves towards greater economic convergence, it must not forget the regions left behind, ensuring that progress is inclusive and sustainable for all.
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