ABSTRACT
International economic developments in western Europe have resulted in confusing images of the effects of globalization. The globalizing trends are making it easier for firms to restructure the location configuration of their plants on a global scale, making use of the comparative advantages. The European regions are being affected by the processes through the relocation of economic activities to countries outside the European Union, as well as through shifts in activities between regions within the Union itself. In many countries development agencies have been created to attract foreign investment and alleviate interregional socioeconomic differences. Interregional competition has intensified that manufacturing companies, distribution centers, and sales offices or call centers can choose between many acceptable alternative locations. The feared negative effects of industrial restructuring and relocation as a result of processes of globalization or economic internationalization have been greatly exaggerated. Economic change is experienced in the considerable dynamics in several peripheral areas, including Catalonia and Ireland.
