About INES
INES - Innovative Educational Services in the Cross-Border Region of Vidin–Montana–Dolj
The project “Innovative Educational Services in the Cross-Border Region of Vidin–Montana–Dolj (INES)” aims to strengthen key competences and facilitate labour-market and digital-society integration for rural residents and vulnerable groups in the Vidin–Montana–Dolj cross-border area. It addresses a shared regional challenge: many people, especially in rural or disadvantaged communities, are not sufficiently prepared for modern labour-market requirements in a context of rapidly evolving technologies and an increasing need to use digital tools and services.
INES’ overall objective is to improve digital, entrepreneurial and language competences through innovative educational services tailored to identified needs in the region. The expected change is better job readiness, higher digital literacy and stronger conditions for social and economic inclusion, contributing to the region’s competitiveness and resilience.
As part of the project, this online educational platform was developed to provide accessible self-learning resources and training opportunities, supported by programmes and materials focused on digital skills, entrepreneurship and language competences (Bulgarian and Romanian). To ensure reach beyond urban centres, INES also introduces mobile training services designed to serve remote and underdeveloped areas, bringing learning opportunities closer to communities with limited access. In total, 600 people from the cross-border region (300 from Bulgaria and 300 from Romania) will take part in pilot trainings designed to be practical and outcome-oriented.
Cross-Border Cooperation for Sustainable Skills Development and Social Inclusion
A cross-border approach is essential because Vidin, Montana and Dolj face similar skills gaps and common barriers to training and employment integration. Cooperation between Bulgarian and Romanian partners enables the sharing of resources, experience and good practices, resulting in more coherent and effective solutions with broader regional impact. The project is original in the way it combines traditional training with digital solutions and mobile services, creating sustainable learning mechanisms. The platform will remain active after the project ends, and the resources developed will continue to be used and adapted, supporting lifelong learning and social inclusion in the Vidin–Montana–Dolj region.
Project “Innovative Educational Services in the Cross-Border Region of Vidin–Montana–Dolj (INES)” is co-funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund under the Interreg VI-A Romania–Bulgaria Programme.
The content of this material does not necessarily represent the official position of the European Union.
Number Speaks - People involved
300
People from Romania
300
People from Bulgaria
