Policies at the European, National and Regional Levels Aimed at the Development of Border Regions

The present publication examines the development of border municipalities in the Southwestern region of Bulgaria through a historical, institutional, and financial analysis of policies at the European, national, and regional levels. It outlines the stages of transformation of border regions – from strictly controlled peripheral zones with security functions during the period of centralized governance to territories integrated into contemporary concepts of regional development and territorial cohesion. The analysis of key financial indicators such as the share of own-source revenues, local tax collection rates, equalization and capital subsidies, and EU funds absorbed per capita reveals significant intra-regional disparities shaped by demographic, economic, and institutional factors. The results demonstrate that the most vulnerable border municipalities remain highly dependent on state transfers and have limited access to investment resources, whereas larger and administratively stronger municipalities absorb substantially more national and European funding. The study highlights the need for territorially sensitive policies, a differentiated approach, and strengthened administrative capacity as essential prerequisites for reducing regional inequalities and ensuring sustainable development in border areas.