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

AGENDA

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Header cell	Header cell
Content cell	Arrival Day

24 March 2026

Time	Topic
15.00-19.00	<left>Arrival Day</left>
19.00-21.00	<left>Welcoming reception, networking & market of opportunities</left>
21.00-22.00	Market of Opportunities Presenting state-of-art technologies/solutions for Renewables Grid Integration by German/Intl. experts in Electricity Sector Exhibitors: Software companies: ELEKS (tbc) Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation Hensel Company (tbc)

25 March 2026

Time	Topic
08.45-09.15	Registration of participants
09.15-10.30	Welcoming panel – Advancing the Region’s Energy Transition Pathway Energy Transition in Western Balkans – where are we standing now? 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 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
11.50-12.20	“CBAM Outlook for the Western Balkans Electricity Sector” – key expert input
12.20-13.45	Lunch Break
13.45-16.45	Co-Creating the Next Phase: Regional Pathways for Energy Transition
16.45-17.00	Wrap up and closure of day I
19.00-21.00	Dinner “Inter-coupling Energy Sector of Western Balkans”

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