Definition: Opening balance sheet

ESA 1995

The opening balance sheet records the value of assets and liabilities held by units at the start of the accounting period. 

These items are categorised on the basis of the classification of assets and liabilities. 

They are valued at prices current at the start of the accounting period. 

The difference between assets and liabilities - the balancing item in the account - is the net worth at the start of the accounting period. http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/product?code=CA-15-96-001&mode=view