40. To unlock EU-Western Balkans energy investment, we first need accurate emissions data

To unlock EU-Western Balkans energy investment, we first need accurate emissions dataBy Christian Egenhofer and Damir DizdarevićThe EU is strongly committed to integrating the Western Balkans into its energy and climate frameworks as part of the enlargement process. It also provides financial support for the region’s transition to sustainable energy systems. The Instrument for Pre-Accession III, the Reform and Growth Facility and the EU Energy Support Package together provide more than EUR 20 billion in grants and loans for all sectors.In the energy sector, new funding under the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans is supposed to speed up action on the commitments made under the Energy Community Treaty, which links the EU neighbourhood to the EU energy market. This should boost the region’s ongoing EU accession negotiations.However, meeting these commitments is about more than just the Western Balkans complying with the Energy Community Treaty. It’s equally a precondition for reforming the electricity sector and, consequently, unlocking new private investment for a sector that’s currently in distress. The electricity and heat sector alone will require investment of some EUR 31-36 billon, according to the Energy Community Secretariat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.