Subnational authorities (SNAs) are increasingly mobilized at the European level and whereas much literature investigates vertical networks of regional interests bypassing the central state, I am to gain a better understanding of horizontal networks, more in particular the networks regional interests mobilize at the EU-level itself. Some authors view these regional interest networks as an additional opportunity for peripheral regions (Bartolini, 2005), while others are more skeptical as they expect that mostly the wealthy SNAs will be active within these trans-regional networks (Borras, 1994). This paper hopes to contribute to this debate by gaining a better understanding of the position a region takes within these networks. Based on the membership of 68 trans-regional associations the paper demonstrates that large differences exist among regions in terms of their network embeddedness and position. Based on insights derived from neo-pluralism, I explain these differences by adding sociological contextual variables, besides the traditional economic (such as resources), political (for instance, the presence of regionalist parties) and institutional variables (amount of self rule). In this manner, the paper offers important insights in the pervasiveness of being active in the Brussels scene in order to take a more central position and the resulting patterns in territorial interest representation.
