Introduction: The Western Balkans Between Continuity and Change

Since the collapse of the communist regimes and the beginning of the transition period, territorial governance and spatial planning in the Western Balkans have often been marginalized within the academic and policy debates. Acknowledging this gap, this introductory chapter sets out the context for the book, presenting its aims and rationale and providing the basis upon which to unfold the discussion on territorial governance and spatial planning in the region. In doing so, it briefly delineates the transition from a centrally planned economic system to a market economy, paying particular attention to the institutional dimension. At the same time, it reflects upon the differential pace that has characterised the process of European integration in the different countries in question. Finally, it introduces the main challenges that have characterised the evolution of territorial governance in the region, as well as the potential role that territorial cooperation initiatives could play within it, before sketching out a roadmap that will guide the reader through the volume.