Economic geography, Cross-border cooperations, Economic development
Abstract
This paper analyzes the economies of Albania, Bulgaria and Greece within the framework of changing economic geography in Europe and the Balkan Region in order to evaluate the level, the type, the intensity and the benefits of cross-border cooperation between these countries. The analysis is based on the comparative examination of economic, structural, demographic and qualitative characteristics of the three countries at the national, regional and border regions level, the examination of trade relations and factor movements across the borders and the examination of the implemented policies of cross-border cooperation. The analysis indicates that after years of separation, a large regional market is shaped in Southeastern Europe where significant opportunities for cooperation, specialization and trade exist. To the extent that geography plays a role in shaping preferences in economic interaction, a regional market will gradually emerge in the Balkans, driven by distance (of the countries in the region from the European core), size and proximity (to each other). The main characteristic of this new market is the existence of intensive economic relations, especially between countries with common borders, such as Albania and Greece and Bulgaria and Greece.
