ABSTRACT
Contemporary ‘European regionalism’ is a phenomenon encompassing a tremendous plurality and complexity. Multiple spatial constructions - (trans)border regions, twin-cities and city-networks, autonomous areas, regional councils and committees - are all associated with the label of re gionalism. This phenomenon could therefore be seen as a mark of postmodemity, as a sign of a major transition from modem conditions,' in that this phenomenon allows us to witness the slow but constant weathering of the modem order and power structures: above all a slow emption of state dominance (Matláry, 1995). The (at least presumed) inner cultural cohe rency of modem nation-states is ‘stirred’ by increasing hybridity and multiplicity and the clear mosaic-like international system of territoriallydelineated states is ‘covered’ by new overlapping, incongruent spaces.
