Spatial Patterns of Urban Shrinkage and Growth in Selected Western European Countries

This study analyses demographic processes within the Western European urban network using grid data from 2011 to 2021. The findings indicate that all countries in the region experience both urban shrinkage and growth, albeit to varying degrees. These processes differ significantly from the European average. Belgium represents the extremes in population growth within urban grids, while Austria exemplifies the most pronounced population decline. Based on these demographic processes, five categories are proposed to classify the spatial patterns of city centres and agglomerations. Western European countries are also classified according to the extent to which urban growth and shrinkage determine their urban structure. Significant urban growth is evident in Belgium, Luxembourg, and Austria, while significant urban shrinkage is observed in France.