Integration De-scaled. Symbolic Manifestations of Cross-border and European Integration in

Cross-border cooperation nowadays plays a crucial role in Europe and is very attractive for the local authorities of border units and for border communities. It is especially visible in border twin towns—settlements located directly on a state border, and having a similar partner on the other side. This article aims at filling a gap that exists in border studies by answering the question of how the idea of European integration and cross-border integration is symbolically manifested in the border relations of these towns, and how border territorial units employ this in their development strategies, by scale change. The research is conducted in the context of collective efficacy theory, with symbols representing specific ideas considered to be explanatory elements belonging to two variables stimulating change: spatial dynamic and supportive institutions. It is asserted that border conflict and cooperation legacies frame the context for symbolic policies, alongside the duration of EU membership. The assumptions are verified against actual objects in public spaces, as well as in non-material symbols. This leads to the identification of three models of cross-border symbolism and also of the phenomenon of border re-demarcation.