Connectivity between the Balkan countries is of crucial importance, and the role of Greece has become increasingly significant.
The initiatives and policies designed and implemented to strengthen energy connectivity, regional cooperation, and sustainability, with a focus on electricity, as well as the key priorities for the future of the Balkan countries, were discussed during an event organized on March 9th in Thessaloniki by the OECD and the Delphi Economic Forum to present the OECD’s new project titled: “Electricity, Digital & Regional Interconnectivity in South East Europe.”
Nikos Tsafos, Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy, referred to the pivotal role Greece has acquired in recent years in the sectors of transport and connectivity networks across the wider Balkan region. He emphasized the importance of establishing rules to better achieve the goal of interconnection, while also highlighting the importance of adding renewable energy sources (RES) to the energy mix and strengthening regional security.
“Greece has become an exporter of electricity; last year, for one-third of the day we used to be importers,” Tsafos noted. He stressed that Greece strongly supports energy interconnection, since in previous years it experienced the consequences of being at the edge of the European energy system.
As an example of the importance of Balkan interconnectivity, he mentioned 2019, when electricity prices in Greece were 34% higher than in neighboring Bulgaria, while today—after the implementation of the interconnection pipeline—the two countries have similar prices.
He also highlighted that Greece has undergone a radical transformation in its energy mix.
“Twenty years ago, 60% of our electricity came from lignite. Last year it was below 5%.”
More than half of the country’s electricity is now produced from solar and wind energy, while Greece has become a net exporter of electricity, generating €400 million annually in revenue, Tsafos added.
Sanja Božinovska, Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources of North Macedonia, also emphasized the importance of cooperation among Balkan countries and the added value it brings to the region. She also stressed the importance of financing for such projects.
“We have prepared a strategic plan for the country’s energy development for the next 20 years. However, discussions will also need to take place with companies. Our energy reform agenda amounts to €800 million. We are working to strengthen the grid and investing in smart systems,” Božinovska said, noting that North Macedonia aims to shift from being an electricity importer to becoming an exporter.
Corina Crețu, Consul General of Romania in Thessaloniki, referred among other things to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Moldova, highlighting the contribution of the OECD in achieving connectivity across the Balkans.
“Romania strongly supports regional cooperation,” Crețu said, emphasizing that the country aims to strengthen renewable energy sources. This goal is part of Romania’s energy security plan for 2025–2030, along with reducing dependence on fossil fuels, transitioning to clean energy, and expanding nuclear power development.
“Regional cooperation and a common vision are necessary; each country cannot act alone,” said Aleksandar Zlatković, Advisor to the Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy, providing an extensive overview of projects implemented in recent years.
“We are implementing investments so that the country can develop into an energy hub and become a reliable and active partner in the region. Construction of a hydroelectric project will begin within the year, while we are also building large-scale solar parks with a capacity of 1 GW,” Zlatković said. He also emphasized that nuclear energy is of major importance for Serbia, with the goal of beginning the construction of relevant infrastructure by 2035, following the necessary studies.
