ABSTRACT
Settlement systems are the framework of socio-economic development, and their evolution is characterised by significant path-dependence. National network development is underpinned by historical heritages and the consequences of nation-building initiatives. The transformation of the CEE settlement networks has reinforced the leading role of large cities, particularly capitals; and state formation processes in the Balkans have also contributed to their growth. Nonetheless, the macro-region’s lagging urbanisation has consequences for socio-economic development, particularly for small towns, which often fail to integrate surrounding rural territories, as well as for regional centres, which find it hard to compete with the truly metropolitan national capitals.
