EU Boosts Energy Transition in Balkans and Ukraine, Calls for Treaty Reforms

The EU is investing in the energy transition of the Western Balkans and Ukraine. To succeed, it must push for treaty reforms and tackle political resistance in the region.

, and Administrator

2025 October 2 . 12:15 AM

1 min read

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EU Boosts Energy Transition in Balkans and Ukraine, Calls for Treaty Reforms

The European Union is stepping up efforts to support the energy transition in the Western Balkans and Ukraine. It's providing investments and financial aid through programmes like the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), aiming to reduce fossil fuel dependence and promote energy sovereignty. However, more proactive implementation of the Energy Community Treaty is needed.

The Energy Community Treaty, established post-Yugoslavia, is a crucial tool for partnership and energy sector reforms. The EU should push for the inclusion of the Clean Energy for All Europeans Package into this treaty. Political will in the target countries is key to success, but lack of it and subsidies for fossil industries in Serbia are hindering progress.

In Bosnia-Herzegovina's Tuzla, a thermal power plant's pollution is causing health issues and economic burden. Regional cooperation in the electricity sector could bring annual economic benefits of around 270 million Euros.

The EU can set up favorable conditions to support the energy transition in these regions. It should act more proactively within the Energy Community Treaty to ensure rule implementation and compliance. Supporting energy efficiency should remain a top priority in EU's technical and financial support mechanisms.