Inter-border Cooperation in the Area of Serres Prefecture and Consequences of the EU Bulgaria Accession – An Empirical Research

摘要: Abstract The enlargement of the European Union to twenty five (25) member states (2004) resulted in greater inequalities between regions and subsequent expansions other countries south-east Europe may exacerbate these inequalities. These regional disparities enlarged EU must be reduced dealt with an effective cohesion policy, part which is development cross-border cooperation. According Outline Convention Madrid (1980), trans-frontier cooperation means any agreed transaction intended encourage cultivate relationships neighbouring local authorities two or more parties. Euroregions promote border social partners areas such as culture, education, tourism economy. From a purely economic standpoint, preservation natural “invisible” borders obstacle development. Since “invisible barriers” (languages, cultural problems, etc.) are hard eliminate, need turn boundaries contact zones stressed. should “bridges states”, “channels for mutual understanding peoples”, “prosperity borders” “cradles development”. Factors that is, among others, tradition experience collaboration, adequate common mechanisms by authorities, availability sufficient financial resources, etc. On contrary, factors impede this legal restrictions, disputes about responsibility various levels government, limited implementation programs, It estimated that, regarding situation bordering candidate potential consequences on them, Greece especially continental areas, least favoured regions, since they faced most difficult income, labour market dynamics, infrastructure human resources. prefecture Serres, region, according predictions General Regional Framework Physical Planning, indented become growth pole trans- In paper, based results empirical research institutions we examine collaboration Serres their respective Bulgarian ones. More particularly explore cooperation, opportunities obstacles, results, impacts accession Bulgaria EU. majority consider Bulgaria's endorsement positive progress extended region. Half began after accession, aiming mainly economic-development benefits exchange expertise, fields environment, employment, entrepreneurship,