Agenda 2026

The global energy landscape has become increasingly volatile due to geopolitical tensions, supply disruptions and fluctuations in fossil fuel prices. The Western Balkans remain particularly exposed to such external shocks. Limited diversification of energy sources, ageing generation infrastructure and reliance on energy imports have increased the region’s vulnerability during crises. Accelerating renewable energy deployment can reduce reliance on imported fuels while strengthening resilience to supply chain disruptions and critical raw material constraints, supporting both decarbonisation and competitiveness.

The Western Balkans possess significant untapped renewable energy potential, particularly in solar and wind power. Estimates suggest that the region’s cost-effective potential for variable renewable energy by 2030 exceeds 13 GW, far surpassing current installed capacities. Harnessing these domestic resources would contribute to decarbonising the energy system while reducing reliance on imported fuels and exposure to external price shocks- — helping citizens enjoy more affordable, predictable and reliable energy.

Despite this potential, renewable energy deployment remains slower than required. Key barriers include underdeveloped electricity markets, limited access to financing, lengthy permitting procedures and complex regulatory frameworks. Overcoming these challenges is essential to unlock investments and accelerate the energy transition.

Against this background, the high-level panel will examine how renewable energy deployment can strengthen the Western Balkans’ resilience to external energy shocks while laying the foundations for a more secure, decarbonised and competitive regional energy system, helping to protect citizens and businesses from future energy price shocks. Particular attention will be given to deeper integration of Western Balkan electricity markets with the EU electricity market, the regulatory reforms needed to accelerate renewable deployment — including streamlined permitting procedures — and the broader policy framework supporting the decarbonisation, energy resilience and regional competitiveness — including reforms under the EU Growth Plan, the Energy Community Treaty and preparation for CBAM.

(Co-organized by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change of Türkiye and the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning of North Macedonia)

Co-organized by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change of Türkiye and the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning of North Macedonia, this high-level ministerial dialogue represents the central political segment of MEF 2026 and its most direct institutional bridge to COP31.

A core focus of the discussion will be decarbonisation pathways in the Western Balkans, with particular emphasis on establishing credible and clearly articulated coal phase-out trajectories. In light of updated National Energy and Climate Plans, ministers will reflect on the necessity of setting a structured direction for coal phase-out by 2030 and the policy frameworks required to make such commitments technically and financially viable.

The dialogue will also address climate finance mobilization and the operationalization of the Just Energy Transition Investment Platform adopted at COP28, examining how it can support coal-dependent regions in the Western Balkans. Ministers will consider how regional coordination, international partnerships, and investment predictability can accelerate implementation while ensuring social stability. The objective of the panel is to send a clear political signal to COP31 that Southeast Europe is prepared to move from planning to delivery, linking ambition with structured transition mechanisms.

This panel brings together the issues of energy security and clean energy supply chains, reflecting their growing importance for both climate action and regional stability. It will examine how diversification of energy sources, resilient infrastructure, and secure access to critical raw materials underpin a successful energy transition.

Discussions will cover system reliability, crisis preparedness, and protection of critical energy infrastructure, alongside responsible sourcing of materials such as lithium, copper, nickel, and rare earth elements. Environmental and social standards, permitting and governance frameworks, recycling, circular economy approaches, and regional cooperation on supply chains will be key topics.

By addressing energy security and supply chains together, the panel highlights how climate ambition, economic resilience, and stability in Southeast Europe are closely interconnected—an increasingly prominent theme in COP31-related discussions.

Climate change is already affecting energy systems in Southeast Europe as heatwaves, floods, droughts, and other extreme weather events become more frequent and intense. These impacts affect all parts of the energy systems and carry significant security consequences. As climate risks are expected to increase further in the future, there is urgent need for energy stakeholders in the region to strengthen preparedness and resilience. This panel focuses on raising awareness about the risks that climate change poses to energy security and energy transition plans in the region, and on how energy infrastructure and planning can adapt to these growing risks.

The discussion will highlight the importance of climate-informed and resilient energy systems and policies, improved risk assessment, and stronger regional cooperation on preparedness and response. By linking energy planning with adaptation strategies, the panel supports COP31 priorities on resilience and protecting communities and economies from climate impacts on critical energy services.

This panel will focus on the social dimensions of the energy transition, particularly in the context of coal phase-out and market reform. A credible and accelerated decarbonisation pathway must be socially managed and inclusive.

The discussion will examine how Just Transition Roadmaps and the Just Energy Transition Investment Platform can be operationalized to support coal-dependent regions. Topics will include workforce reskilling, economic diversification, social dialogue, participatory policymaking, and targeted support for vulnerable communities. By placing social inclusion at the center of decarbonisation efforts, the panel reinforces the principle that climate ambition and social cohesion must advance together.

As the international community prepares for COP31, accelerating the deployment of clean energy infrastructure has become central to delivering credible mitigation outcomes. For the Western Balkans, scaling renewables and storage is not only a climate imperative — it is a strategic economic and security priority.

This panel brings together renewable energy developers, battery storage innovators, infrastructure operators, and financial institutions to examine how capital can be mobilized at the pace and scale required to meet decarbonisation goals.