Open, Inclusive and Business Friendly Services for Stronger Cross-Border Communities – OpenCBC

Donor: European Union
Partners: NALED, City of Leskovac, Institute for Market Economics, Kyustendil Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Beneficiaries: The project beneficiaries include citizens, who will benefit from improved access to training, information, and entrepreneurship support services. The project will also benefit businesses and investors through better access to data and enhanced cooperation with local governments, as well as local self-governments, which will receive new methodologies and digital tools to improve service delivery.
Implementation Period: July 2026 – December 2027

The project was launched in response to the shared challenges faced by the Bulgaria–Serbia cross-border region, including low levels of competitiveness, limited entrepreneurial activity, depopulation, and reduced investment attractiveness. Many local governments face high unemployment rates, youth outmigration, and limited capacities to develop quality services for citizens and businesses.

Through the project, the quality, accessibility, and transparency of services of general interest contributing to local economic development and the creation of a more favorable business environment will be improved. The project is based on the application of the proven Business Friendly Certification South East Europe (BFC SEE) methodology, which provides local governments with standards and tools for improving governance, increasing transparency, and strengthening cooperation with the private sector.

Objectives and Results

The objective of the project is to foster inclusive and sustainable development of the Bulgaria–Serbia cross-border region through improving local government services, strengthening cooperation among the public, private, and civil society sectors, and creating a more favorable business environment.

Within the project, an assessment of readiness for the implementation of BFC SEE standards will be conducted, business environment profiles will be developed, and digital tools will be created to improve access to services and information. Through pilot activities, a digital assistant for entrepreneurs, a digital training and networking platform, an interactive map of the cross-border area, and a cross-border cooperation platform will be developed, contributing to the improvement of the business environment, strengthening the capacities of local governments, and enhancing the competitiveness of the region.