19-06-2024
The first private wind park in North Macedonia has started operating
GGF-backed Bogoslovec will provide electricity for over 20,000 households annually
The energy sector in the Western Balkans is characterised by insufficient and ageing infrastructure, relatively high reliance on fossil fuels, late adoption of renewables beyond hydropower and residential biomass, limited energy efficiency and energy productivity, high rates of energy poverty despite usually high levels of direct and hidden energy subsidies (mostly targeted towards fossil fuels), limited market mechanisms and private sector participation. Thus, it faces a unique dual transition: from centralised state-controlled systems to open and competitive markets, and towards decarbonisation.
19-06-2024
GGF-backed Bogoslovec will provide electricity for over 20,000 households annually
12-06-2024
Through the Regional Energy Efficiency Programme, 3 more schools have been renovated to reduce emissions and c...
11-06-2024
The new energy-efficient student housing will reduce carbon emissions and save costs
Through the Economic and Investment Plan, the support in the field of energy will be reinforced. Strong emphasis will be put on energy market integration, decarbonisation and clean energy, just transition, increased digitalisation of the system and smart grids, energy efficiency, including modernisation of district heating, and energy security. These are the key pillars of the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans in line with the aims of the Green Agenda. Participation in the Energy Community Treaty provides a clear policy framework and bears the potential for regional growth through multi-country projects, and by tapping into the region’s large renewable energy and energy efficiency potential. WBIF support is oriented to the Plan’s priorities: Flagship 4 - Renewable energy, Flagship 5 - Transition from coal, Flagship 6 - Renovation wave.
Read MoreTransition from coal to sustainable and clean energy in line with the aims of the European Green Deal.
Extension of the Energy Union to the Western Balkans for a successful clean energy transition in the region.
Environmentally sound investments in hydro, solar, wind and geothermal sources.
The “Coal regions in transition platform" to support inclusive transition strategies.
Widely available, secure and affordable source of energy that will keep the region competitive.
A refurbished building stock will help pave the way for a decarbonised and clean energy system.
Acceleration of the integration of Central and South Eastern European gas and electricity markets.
Further boost to technology transfer, and access to world-class research infrastructure.
2009 - 2022
2023 - 2031
Energy CommunityThe Energy Community is an international organisation which brings together the European Union and its neighbours to create an integrated pan-European energy market. The organisation was founded by the Treaty establishing the Energy Community signed in October 2005 in Athens, Greece, in force since July 2006. The key objective of the Energy Community is to extend the EU internal energy market rules and principles to countries in South East Europe, the Black Sea region and beyond on the basis of a legally binding framework.
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Connectivity Agenda(2015-2020)
In 2015, the European Commission set aside up to €1 billion in grants until 2020, from the EU Pre-Accession Instrument, to support the connectivity agenda. In November 2020 at the summit in Sofia, the Western Balkan leaders welcomed the 2020 connectivity package with six projects in the areas of sustainable transport and clean energy. This package completes the delivery of the EU’s 2015 pledge, while at the same time constitutes the first step towards the implementation of the flagship projects of the Economic and Investment Plan.
Read More25-07-2024
WBIF Bilateral Donors factsheet (last updated in July 2024).
22-07-2024
Flagship investments endorsed under the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans, July 2024.
