In partnership with
Electricity, Digital and Regional Interconnectivity in South East Europe
In collaboration with
About
This high-level event will formally launch the new OECD project Electricity, Digital and Regional Interconnectivity in South East Europe, funded by Greece with co-financing from Romania. Through September 2027, the project will contribute to identifying areas for improving the energy policy framework, focusing on electricity, for a smarter, better connected and more efficient South East Europe. It will provide a mix of analytical work and capacity-building activities to enhance the electricity sector in the South East Europe region, focusing on four Western Balkan economies: Albania, Kosovo*, North Macedonia and Serbia.
Context
The Western Balkans (WB6) are undergoing a transition toward EU integration including in the energy sector, driven by the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans and the commitment to develop integrated National Energy Climate Plans. However, progress in energy reform remains slow due to weak institutions and delayed implementation. The region faces major challenges from ageing, coal-based infrastructure, high electricity losses, low energy productivity, and limited cross-border connectivity. Heavy reliance on fossil fuels and hydropower, insufficient renewable diversification, and slow digitalisation of grids hinder decarbonisation and energy security. While policy alignment with the EU has advanced—through market liberalisation, renewable auctions, and organised electricity markets—investment gaps and structural inefficiencies persist.
Greece and South East Europe are accelerating the energy transition, with Greece committing to coal phase-out by 2028, major emissions reductions, and large-scale renewable deployment. Significant investments in grid modernisation, interconnections, offshore renewables, and digital technologies (including AI-based system management) position Greece as a regional leader. Stronger electricity interconnectivity between Greece, the Western Balkans and South East Europe could enhance energy security, market integration, and support the region’s green transition.
The event will officially launch the OECD project Electricity, Digital and Regional Connectivity in South East Europe. The event will be hosted by Mr. Stavros N. Papastavrou Minister of Energy of Greece, and will gather ministers and high-level level representatives from Greece, Romania, Bulgaria and the Western Balkan economies, and from selected OECD Members.
The event will offer the opportunity to:
- Share global and regional insights on improving energy connectivity and sustainability in South East Europe;
- Establish regional policy priorities and key reform areas in the electricity sector; and
- Assess current barriers to developing the green, digital and infrastructure investments needed in the electricity sector in the Western Balkans.
This event is hosted by the Government of Greece in partnership with the OECD, in collaboration with the Delphi Economic Forum.
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Makedonia Palace Hotel, Thessaloniki, Greece
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*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244/99 and the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on Kosovo’s declaration of independence.