The slow pace of the Balkans’ green energy transition is closely connected to the region’s energy insecurity and its dependence on imported and domestically produced fossil fuels, which perpetuate energy poverty and environmental degradation. Businesses that do not abide by environmental standards can keep investing in fossil fuels. At the same time, the energy sector remains dominated by public utilities plagued by inertia and reform aversion. These opportunity structures have been used by actors like Russia and China to pursue their own economic and political goals. A problem which has been further exacerbated by the war in Ukraine.
The Balkans in Europe Policy Advisory Group is conducting comprehensive study about the geopolitics of the green energy transition in the Western Balkans. The research is based on background desk research, public opinion poll conducted in March and April 2023; and case studies. This background paper that will be discussed at the event is the first output and sets a base for the development of the project, and it will be presented by BiEPAG Members and authors:
Speakers:
Dimitar Bechev
Lecturer, Oxford School of Global amp; Area Studies, University of Oxford and Visiting Scholar, Carnegie Europe
Florian Bieber
Professor at the University of Graz and Coordinator, Balkans of Europe Policy Advisory Group (BiEPAG)
Nikolaos Tzifakis
Professor, University of the Peloponnese
Tena Prelec
Research Associate, LSEE-Research on South Eastern Europe, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
Moderator:
Corina Stratulat
Head of the European Politics and Institutions Programme, European Policy Centre
This in-person Policy Dialogue will discuss the main features and trends of the Balkans’ energy sector based on research carried out by the Balkans in Europe Policy Advisory Group (BiEPAG) and in view of a public opinion poll on this subject commissioned by BiEPAG in all the countries of the region.
A networking reception will take place after the discussion.
Participation is open to EPC members only, the media, and EU officials.
Register at: https://form.jotform.com/231101782289354