Περίληψη:
This paper refers to business cooperation in the cross-border region of Serres (Greece)-Bulgaria
and the impact of the integration of Bulgaria to the EU in the region. Based on literature results on the impact of
EU enlargement, especially in border areas, we present results of a primary research held on companies in the
Serres Prefecture, designed to assess cross-border business cooperation and the impact on the region from the
accession of Bulgaria to the EU. A low degree of extroversion and international orientation of business from
Serres is found, although Bulgaria’s accession to the EU had a positive impact in their decision for making
business in the neighbouring country. A positive effect is recorded in financial results of enterprises, which
explains the high degree of satisfaction. An assessment of the significance of obstacles on behalf of the businesses
shows that competitiveness, at least for now, operates stronger to the benefit of the Bulgarian side and less
towards the side of Serres. A gap is recorded when assessing the impact on Serres from the EU-Bulgaria
integration and the opportunities created in the area, respectively.