New Digital Tools Coming Soon to Support the Development of the Serbia–Bulgaria Border Region
Low competitiveness, youth outmigration, and limited access to services are some of the challenges that the cross-border area between Serbia and Bulgaria has faced for decades. The new OpenCBC project, implemented by NALED in partnership with the City of Leskovac, the Institute for Market Economics, and the Kyustendil Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Bulgaria), with financial support from the European Union, aims to address these issues.
The contract for the implementation of the project “Open, Inclusive and Business Friendly Services for Stronger Cross-Border Communities” was signed in early July, and the project will run until December 2027. Through digital tools and improved local government standards, citizens and businesses on both sides of the border will gain easier access to information, training opportunities, and business development support.
The project is based on the Business Friendly Certification South East Europe (BFC SEE) methodology, which provides local governments with clear standards and tools for better governance, greater transparency, and stronger cooperation with the private sector.
Planned activities include assessing the readiness of local governments to implement BFC SEE standards, developing business environment profiles, and creating digital tools to improve access to services and information. Pilot activities will also support the development of 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.
In addition to local governments, the project is designed to benefit businesses and investors, who will gain improved access to data and easier cooperation with local authorities. The implementation of OpenCBC will continue through December 2027.
These activities aim to improve the business environment, strengthen the capacities of local governments, and enhance the competitiveness of the region.
