This book deals with the development of cities and regions in times of decisive transformation in Europe throughout these past twenty years. In the Western parts of Europe cities and regions were challenged from the outside by globalisation and by technological and demographic change from the inside. On top of that the Eastern parts were confronted with deep restructuring processes enforced by the transition from socialist to capitalistic structures. By now, all European cities and regions are confronted with challenges stemming from a new global competition for jobs, population and status. Authors from different national backgrounds of Central Europe are analysing and reflecting on these changing structures and processes..