The integration of the West-Balkan countries with the EU market will mean for the region more stability, more resilience and a better price signal for our markets, said Jasmina Trhulj, Head of the Electricity Unit, Energy Community Secretariat, at the “Regional Approach – Belgrade 2022” conference organized by Energynomics.
”I am glad that we discuss today the opportunities between Serbia and Romania in the energy sector because when it comes to regional cooperation, energy is at its core. Energy Community is an international organization established under treaties signed by EU on one side and 9 parties, out of which 6 West-Balkan parties and also Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. Our organization was established to bring closer the EU with the neighboring countries and to expand actually the European legislation and market to these countries. There were a lot of achievements done so far in bringing the EU market to our region and today we are focusing on some recent development in that respect. With the energy crisis we are facing, it became more important to enhance cooperation in the region in cutting dependence on fossil fuel and boosting renewables, energy efficiency and accelerating the energy transition. I have to stress that there is a slight difference between the European member states and our region when it comes to the dependence on gas, which is a hot topic. Our Western Balkan electricity market is 2% dependent on gas, but we are more dependent on coal: more than 60-70%,” she said.
A milestone was achieved last year, in Belgrade, as the ministerial council adopted several documents to bring closer the region to the Clean Energy package. a clear decarbonization road map was adopted, also.
”In our region, there is no carbon pricing, which makes a huge difference between our markets…Prices are going to be higher for the industry when we’ll introduce carbon pricing,” she added.
”We have to adopt 2030 targets for the region, as we are still not having any targets in the region… We will adopt them during the next ministerial council. It should set a clear goal for our countries. Also, with the adoption of the energy and climate plans, it would give more predictability to anyone coming to the region.”
Another package for market integration and development will be adopted soon.
”This is a crucial piece of legislation because it would allow the market coupling of our region with the EU market… The integration with the EU market will bring us more stability, more resilience and a better price signal for our markets,” she stressed.
The “Regional Approach – Belgrade 2022” conference was organized by Energynomics and its partners ABB Romania and Wiren, with the support of the Romanian Energy Center – REC and the Energy Community.
