Regional Exchange March 2026

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ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

Western Balkans is entering a pivotal stage in its regional energy transformation. Following two years of intensive cooperation, knowledge exchange, and joint learning, Phase II of the “Decarbonisation of the Electricity Sector in the Western Balkans” project, commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and implemented by GIZ, this new 3-year project marks a renewed commitment to accelerating the region’s energy transition, under the umbrella of the Regional Climate Partnership between Germany and the Western Balkans.

Under the theme “Building on Progress: Advancing the Energy Transition Pathway of the Western Balkans” this Kick-off Conference will bring together grid operators, regulators, ministries, international organisations, experts, and civil society partners from across the region. It offers a unique moment to reflect on progress, deepen cooperation, and collectively shape the way forward. Invited partners will be able to contribute and be part of:

A shared starting point for Phase II: A concise walkthrough of Phase I’s key results will help participants establish a common understanding of progress to date and jointly shape priorities for the next phase across regulatory, technological, and participation areas.

• A collaborative regional space: The conference offers a platform for open exchange, allowing stakeholders to connect, share experiences, compare challenges, and explore opportunities for coordinated action in Phase II.
• Shaping regional priorities: Through interactive discussions and expert input, participants will help identify and validate the priority areas that will guide regional cooperation over the next three years.
• Forward-looking insights: Drawing on German and international experience, the conference will showcase innovative approaches, regulatory developments, and practical solutions that can support higher renewable integration in the Western Balkans.
• Moving the transition forward: Phase II builds on the work initiated together, now with stronger cooperation, clearer priorities, and concrete steps toward a cleaner and sustainable energy future for the Western Balkans.

Objectives of the conference

1. Introduce the scope of Phase II and provide a comprehensive walkthrough of the key results from Phase I
2. Create a space for regional electricity-sector stakeholders and other relevant partners to exchange and connect to regionally cooperate for energy transition challenges and opportunities
3. Set the foundation for Phase II by identifying shared regional priorities across regulatory, technological, and participation areas of the energy transition

Presentations

Building on Progress Advancing the Region's Energy Transition Pathway

This presentation gives an overview on the agenda and the general background of the conference.

Legal disputes in the Energy Sector (Armela Ramić, Attorney, Ramic Law)

This key expert input highlighted that the energy transition in the Western Balkans is not only a technical and financial process, but also a legally sensitive one. Since 2022, a significant share of global investment arbitration cases has been linked to renewable energy, often triggered by retroactive changes to support schemes such as feed-in tariffs or premiums. A key legal concept discussed was the principle of “legitimate expectations,” under which investors may claim damages if policy frameworks on which they relied are altered retroactively. While governments retain the right to regulate in the public interest, such changes must be transparent, proportionate, and non-discriminatory. Weak internal coordination, including between national and subnational levels, further increases legal risks, as illustrated by cases where permitting and contractual responsibilities are not clearly aligned. To mitigate these risks, the expert highlighted several priority actions.

CBAM and the Western Balkans (Rouven Stubbe, Energy and Climate Policy Advisor, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie)

This key expert input explains the core functioning of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), focusing on its role in applying a carbon cost to electricity exports to the EU and giving some insights into methodological discussions. Presenting early market evidence, he highlighted that electricity price spreads between the EU and Western Balkans have already increased following CBAM introduction. This indicates that expected carbon costs are being priced in, affecting cross-border electricity flows, increasing volatility on interconnectors, and influencing short-term market behaviour. CBAM sends a strong signal for the Western Balkans to accelerate decarbonisation, align with EU market rules, and consider the introduction of carbon pricing mechanisms to maintain competitiveness and secure continued access to the EU electricity market.

Future Grids: Outlook and Strategic Perspectives (Goran Levačić, HOPS Croatian Transmission System Operator Plc.)

The speaker highlighted that the energy transition is reshaping power systems through rapid renewable expansion and a shift toward more distributed generation. He pointed out that power grids are evolving from passive infrastructure into active enablers, but face challenges such as ageing assets, limited capacity, and increasing stress from high renewable penetration and cross-border flows. The Western Balkans are characterized by high demand for grid connections, outdated assets, and increasing system pressures, while investment levels remain below what is required to support the transition. The expert concluded that without timely and coordinated upgrades, grids will remain a critical bottleneck for decarbonisation and system security.

Community and Local Benefits in the context of Electricity Grid Development (Dr. Ira Shefer, Renewables Grid Initiative (RGI)

Presentation of the Renewables Grid Initiative, unique collaboration of NGOs and Transmission System Operators (TSOs) from across Europe. RGI fosters knowledge exchange, discussions on the grid infrastructure needs, and the implementation of best practices about Grids & Energy Systems, Energy & Nature, and Energy & Society. The speaker pointed out to the relevance of Community and local benefits (CLB) in the electricity grid development. CLB are measures that bring added value to local communities affected by the infrastructure in their locality in order to enhance project’s acceptance, and to empower communities in decision-making processes as well as support the revitalisation of rural areas. To increase the legitimacy of CLB, addressing the community and engaging it early in project planning as well as clear, transparent and accessible information is key along with in-person contacts.

Decarbonisation of the Electricity Sector in the Western Balkans II (Mario Jasic, Advisor, GIZ BiH)

Presentation about the project and its new call for tailored support projects for partners.

AGENDA

Arrival Day - 24 March 2026

Time
19.00-21.00	Welcoming reception, networking & market of opportunities Dinner will be served from 19:00 to 20:00. The welcoming reception will take place at Hotel Balcony and will also include the participation of two private companies, from 20:00 to 21:00.

Day 1 Conference - 25 March 2026

Time
08:45 – 09:15	Registration of participants
09:15 – 10:30	Welcoming panel – Advancing the Region’s Energy Transition Pathway Nicolas Heger, Project Director, GIZ Davor Bajs, Electricity Infrastructure Expert, Energy Community Secretariat Milica Knezevic, Regional Project Coordinator, KfW Jan Sedlacek, Legal Advisor System Operations, ENTSOE
10:30 – 10:50	Building on Results: Transitioning from Phase I to Phase II Presentation by: Nicolas Heger, Project Director, GIZ Overview of Phase I achievements and milestones Strategic direction, workstreams, and implementation roadmap for Phase II
10:50 – 11:20	Coffee Break
11:20 – 11:50	“Renewable Energy Disputes and Investment Arbitration in the Western Balkans” – key expert input Armela Ramić, Attorney, Ramic Law
11:50 – 12:20	“CBAM Outlook for the Western Balkans Electricity Sector” – key expert input Rouven Stubbe, Energy and Climate Policy Advisor, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie
12:20 – 13:45	Lunch break
13:45 – 16:45	Co-Creating the Next Phase: Regional Pathways for Energy Transition Working sessions Coffee break will be served from 14:55 to 15:20 during the session.
16:45 – 17:00	Wrap up and closure of day II.
19:00 – 21:00	Dinner

Day 2 Conference - 26 March

Time
09:00 – 09:20	“Future of the grids in EU“- key expert input Goran Levačić, HOPS Croatian Transmission System Operator Plc.
09:20 – 10:20	Panel Discussion: Inclusive Prosumerism: Designing On-Grid Solutions that Work for Energy-Poor and Energy-Vulnerable Communities Ira Shefer, Manager Energy Systems, Renewable Grid Initiative   Aleksandar Macura, Co-founder, Programme Director, RES Foundation Ajla Cisija, Muncipality of Kakanj, Bosnia and Herzegovina Sebastian Jasim, Head of International Projects, German Renewable Energy Federation (BEE)
10:20 – 10:40	Coffee break
10:40 – 11:30	From Insights to Implementation: Defining Regional Action Areas Working sessions
11:30 – 11:40	Overview of the Tailored Support Call for Technical and Regulatory Partners Mario Jasic, Advisor, GIZ BiH
11:40 – 12:00	Wrap up and closure
12:00 – 13:00	Lunch and departure
19:00 – 21:00	Dinner for guests with a confirmed third-night stay.