The future of border regions is analysed in terms of the general long-term regularities of socio-spatial restructuring and in terms of the involvement of regional actors. Two dimensions of restructuring are elaborated: first, the shift from contiguous, area connectedness to network linkages and secondly, the extension from a region as a single unit to multilevel power- sharing. The legacy of the zero sum game – in terms of shifting rather than opening borders – influences the strategy of opening border regions from the point of view of distrust and confidence-building. Non-parity roles represent another limiting factor. Both are exemplified in the experience gained in the Croatian, Slovenian and Italian part of Istria and additionally in Euregions on the Czech – German border. In spite of the centralism of the newly formed states, local and/or regional authorities have a wide range of options for directly or indirectly influencing the intensity of cross- border flows.