The diversity of rural areas was acknowledged and strived to foster urban-rural linkages. Such a spatial planning approach requires a macro regional strategy that recognises the importance of a polycentric urban network to the development of areas linked to these metropoles, including small and medium-sized towns located nearby (European Network). This is driven by an understanding that urban-rural interactions should address not just proximity issues (e.g. commuting patterns), but also consider reciprocal exchanges in order to build meaningful partnerships.