Shrinkage phenomenon, its dynamics and strategies to counter the decline performed by diverse stakeholders, are investigated in order to define the dimensions and the scope carried out in the places where this negative transformation is undergoing. The complexity of this process and the different types of decline entail a study in different levels from the European to national (Denmark) and finally to a local level. Thus, two Danish municipalities (Lolland and Bornholm) are chosen as representatives to contextualize this inquiry and consequently, achieve more accurate data to understand the causes and consequences of the decline as well as their local strategies to survive to this changes.