Developing the Energy Community in South East Europe

Beginning in 2002, the European Commission proposed the creation of a regional electricity market in South East Europe with the aim of eventually creating a regional energy market. This proposal was outlined in the Athens Memorandum of Understanding signed by all participating countries in November 2002.

With the support of the European Council, this led to the signing in October 2005 of the South East Europe Energy Community Treaty. The Treaty has been signed by the then EU-25 and Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Albania and UNMIK on behalf of Kosovo. Whilst the Treaty has created the legal framework for an integrated energy market, it now needs the political will, industry interest, inward investment and signatories must respect the long term energy needs and policies of the EU and its South-East European neighbours. This conference was established to exchange views of all stakeholders, provoke debate and to move towards acceptance of best practices to make the Treaty aim a reality.

This summary report is not intended to précis the presentations, discussions and debates but rather to offer the flavour of the conference as a whole. The presentations may be found hereunder.