The main problems of the Romania-Bulgaria cross-border region are related to social and demographic structure of the population, the poverty and social exclusion, incl. the high rate of unemployment, low investments and entrepreneurial activities. There are needs for better job opportunities, qualifications and environment for entrepreneurs. The region is shaped by high unemployment rates (ar. 10% RO, ar. 12% BG) and the labour market is affected by high inactivity rates and by its poor and small-diversified offer of employment opportunities. Therefore, the SEM-Centres project is targeted to three sectors tourism, ICT and agriculture. Sharing of best practices in tourism can be fruitful for the integration of the area since operators will have the possibility to build a cross-border common offer. The agricultural lands included in the CB area have a huge share (78.21%-RO, 52%-BG) and their potential for development shall be used to foster the employment activities in this field. Finally, the new technologies shall be integrated in these sectors in order to educate the population and improve their business insights. Strengthening the dialogue with local and central authorities will contribute to a better understanding of the important role of the targeted fields and active commitment to the problems of these sectors in the region. The provided trainings, the established SEM-Centres and the access to the virtual Centre will increase the educational level of the population and enhance the knowledge in these sectors.
To improve the cross-border labour market conditions towards an integrated market with better employment rates
SEM-Centres project is funded under INTERREG V-A Romania-Bulgaria Programme