Budva, (MINA-BUSINESS)– It was concluded at a conference in Budva that countries of the Western Balkans have made progress in developing renewable energy sources and improving regulatory frameworks, but the region is now entering a decisive phase focusing on implementation, infrastructure, and investment readiness.

More than 80 representatives of ministries, regional organizations, financial institutions, and energy experts gathered together in Budva at a conference titled “On the Foundations of Progress: Accelerating the Energy Transition of the Western Balkans”, organized by GIZ as part of the Regional Climate Partnership between Germany and the Western Balkans.

The conference brought together participants from across the region and the European Union (EU), including representatives of the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E), the Energy Community Secretariat, and the German Development Bank (KfW), with the aim of reviewing progress achieved and defining next steps toward secure, decarbonized, and integrated electricity systems.

“With the participation of more than 28 partner organizations, engagement of over 430 experts, and the implementation of more than 30 concrete activities, strong support has been provided through the project to reforms in the electricity sector in line with EU standards, thereby directly contributing to the progress of the European integration process of the countries in the region,” GIZ said in a press release. 

The event was organized to mark the launch of the second phase of the project “Decarbonization of the Power Sector in the Western Balkans II,” implemented by GIZ within framework of the Regional Climate Partnership between Germany and the Western Balkans.