Western Balkans energy transition and security

The Western Balkans is experiencing a complex energy transition marked by competing interests between energy security and decarbonization goals. Initially, U.S. energy companies expanded their influence in the region, with nations such as Albania, Kosovo, and Bosnia and Herzegovina seeking to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) to replace Russian imports and coal. This expansion raised concerns within the European Union, as officials feared that new gas infrastructure might create long-term fossil fuel dependencies that conflict with the European Green Deal and net-zero targets.

Subsequent discussions at a Just Transition Forum in Podgorica emphasized the need for a shift toward renewable energy. Stakeholders, including the Energy Community Secretariat, stressed that transition plans must include sustainable financing and direct community involvement to prevent social instability. Civil society organizations and experts warned that expanding gas infrastructure could triple regional consumption, potentially leading to economic dependency and financial instability as the region faces upcoming EU climate regulations, such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.