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

Arrival Day - 24 March 2026

Time
19.00-21.00 Welcoming reception, networking & market of opportunities
  • Dinner will be served from 19:00 to 20:00.
  • The welcoming reception will take place at Hotel Balcony and will also include the participation of two private companies, from 20:00 to 21:00.

Day 1 Conference - 25 March 2026

Time
08:45 – 09:15 Registration of participants
09:15 – 10:30 Welcoming panel – Advancing the Region’s Energy Transition Pathway
  • 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

Presentation by: 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
  • Armela Ramić, Attorney, Ramic Law
11:50 – 12:20 “CBAM Outlook for the Western Balkans Electricity Sector” – key expert input
  • Rouven Stubbe, Energy and Climate Policy Advisor, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie
12:20 – 13:45 Lunch break
13:45 – 16:45 Co-Creating the Next Phase: Regional Pathways for Energy Transition

Working sessions

Coffee break will be served from 14:55 to 15:20 during the session.

16:45 – 17:00 Wrap up and closure of day II.
19:00 – 21:00 Dinner

Day 2 Conference - 26 March

Time
09:00 – 09:20

“Future of the grids in EU“- key expert input

  • Goran Levačić, HOPS Croatian Transmission System Operator Plc.
09:20 – 10:20

Panel Discussion: Inclusive Prosumerism: Designing On-Grid Solutions that Work for Energy-Poor and Energy-Vulnerable Communities

  • Ira Shefer, Manager Energy Systems, Renewable Grid Initiative  
  • Aleksandar Macura, Co-founder, Programme Director, RES Foundation
  • Ajla Cisija, Muncipality of Kakanj, Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Sebastian Jasim, Head of International Projects, German Renewable Energy Federation (BEE)
10:20 – 10:40 Coffee break
10:40 – 11:30

From Insights to Implementation: Defining Regional Action Areas

Working sessions

11:30 – 11:40

Overview of the Tailored Support Call for Technical and Regulatory Partners

  • Mario Jasic, Advisor, GIZ BiH
11:40 – 12:00

Wrap up and closure

12:00 – 13:00

Lunch and departure

19:00 – 21:00

Dinner for guests with a confirmed third-night stay.


World Café Rotation Matrices

Technical Working Group

A = Albania (7)

B = BiH (8)

C = Kosovo (6)

D = Montenegro (3)

E = North Macedonia (4)

F = Serbia (2)

Total 30

Participant Country Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Name Institution and Position
A1 Albania EPT T1T T2T Elgi Haxhiraj OST
A2 Albania EPT T2T T3T Enedi Zerba OST
A3 Albania T1T EPT T2T Ardvin Kraja OSHEE
A4 Albania T2T EPT T3T Griselda Merkaj OST, Head of Market Department
A5 Albania T3T T1T EPT Beliola Vasjari OSSHE
A6 Albania T1T T3T EPT Klodiana Cabiri OST, Head of Cabinet
A7 Albania T2T T1T EPT Ela Nikaj OSHEE
B1 BiH EPT T1T T3T Milan Zeljković MH Elektroprivrede Republike Srpske a.d Trebinje
B2 BiH EPT T2T T1T Miloš Parović MH Elektroprivrede Republike Srpske a.d Trebinje
B3 BiH EPT T3T T2T Merim Džizić Expert Advisor, NOSBiH
B4 BiH T1T EPT T3T Zoran Koprivica System Planning Engineer, NOSBiH
B5 BiH T2T EPT T1T Almir Tuhcic Elektroprivreda BiH
B6 BiH T3T EPT T2T Elvisa Becirovic Elektroprivreda BiH
B7 BiH T1T T3T EPT Mijo Terkeš EP HZHB Mostar, Head of Development
B8 BiH T2T T1T EPT Amir Avdagic Elektroprenos BiH
C1 Kosovo EPT T3T T1T Alush Mexhuani KEDS, System Operation Director
C2 Kosovo EPT T1T T2T Blerton Mustafa KEDS, Technical Customer Care Director
C3 Kosovo T2T EPT T1T Avni Alidemaj KEDS, COO
C4 Kosovo T3T EPT T2T Aulonë Fazliu KOSTT, Network Development Engineer
C5 Kosovo T1T T2T EPT Astrite Neziri KOSTT, Senior Engineer Specialist
C6 Kosovo T2T T3T EPT Arlinda Bujupi KOSTT, Engineer (RES & PPAs)
D1 Montenegro EPT T1T T3T Boris Ostojic CEDIS, Head of Investments
D2 Montenegro T2T EPT T1T Nina Damjanović CGES
D3 Montenegro T3T T2T EPT Aleksandra Pupavac CGES
E1 North Macedonia EPT T2T T1T Blagoj Stojevski EVN, Head of Energy Policy
E2 North Macedonia T1T EPT T3T Viktor Dimitrievski EVN, Energy Policy Consultant
E3 North Macedonia T3T EPT T2T Aleksandar Paunoski MEPSO, Deputy General Director
E4 North Macedonia T3T T2T EPT Kliment Naumoski MEPSO, Counsellor
F1 Serbia EPT T3T T2T Dragan Marin EDS, Director of RER Sector
F2 Serbia T1T T2T EPT Dušan Vukotić EDS, Senior Analyst

Table Distribution

EPT

Round 1: A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, C1, C2, D1, E1, F1

Round 2: A3, A4, B4, B5, B6, C3, C4, D2, E2, E3

Round 3: A5, A6, A7, B7, B8, C5, C6, D3, E4, F2


T1T

Round 1: A3, A6, B4, B7, C5, E2, F2

Round 2: A1, A5, A7, B1, B8, C2, D1

Round 3: B2, B5, C1, C3, D2, E1


T2T

Round 1: A4, A7, B5, B8, C3, C6, D2

Round 2: A2, B2, C5, D3, E1, E4, F2

Round 3: A1, A3, B3, B6, C2, C4, E3, F1


T3T

Round 1: A5, B6, C4, D3, E3, E4

Round 2: A6, B3, B7, C1, C6, F1

Round 3: A2, A4, B1, B4, D1, E


Regulatory Working Group

A = Albania (4)

B = BiH (9)

C = Kosovo (2)

D = Montenegro (4)

E = North Macedonia (4)

F = Serbia (2)

Total 25

Participant Country Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Name Institution and Position
A1 Albania EPR T1R T2R Igli Percuke Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy
A2 Albania T1R EPR T3R Kristofor Shqau Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy
A3 Albania T2R T1R EPR Agron Como Energy Regulatory Entity
A4 Albania T3R T2R EPR Dritan Zekaj Energy Regulatory Entity
B1 BiH EPR T1R T2R Almir Imamović SERC, Head of Tariff & Market
B2 BiH EPR T2R T3R Nikola Dubajić SERC, Head of Technical Affairs
B3 BiH EPR T3R T1R Ivica Drežnjak FERK, Secretary
B4 BiH T1R EPR T3R Nada Milovčević Ministry RS, Head of RES Dept
B5 BiH T2R EPR T1R Boris Lubarda Ministry RS, Head of EE Dept
B6 BiH T3R EPR T2R Belma Selimotić FMERI, Legal Advisor
B7 BiH T1R T3R EPR Sanjin Habul FMERI, Advisor RES
B8 BiH T2R T1R EPR Eldar Hukić FMERI, Assistant Minister
B9 BiH T3R T2R EPR Vera Vitomir MOFTER, Policy Advisor
C1 Kosovo EPR T3R T1R Arberesha Isufi MoE, Head of Strategy Division
C2 Kosovo T2R EPR T3R Miftar Nika MoE, Head of RES Division
D1 Montenegro EPR T2R T3R Majda Mujević MEIR, Director
D2 Montenegro T3R EPR T1R Kristina Mihailovic Ministry of Energy
D3 Montenegro T1R T2R EPR Predrag Damjanović REGAGEN, Senior Analyst
D4 Montenegro T2R T3R EPR Nikola Novaković REGAGEN, Senior Analyst
E1 North Macedonia EPR T1R T3R Aleksandar Chebotarev Regulatory Commission
E2 North Macedonia T1R EPR T2R Irfan Shaqiri Regulatory Commission
E3 North Macedonia T3R EPR T2R Valentina Stardelova Ministry of Energy
E4 North Macedonia T2R T1R EPR Marija Klopchevska Ministry of Energy
F1 Serbia EPR T3R T2R Milica Vukovljak AERS
F2 Serbia T3R EPR T1R Dragana Barjaktarević AERS

Table Distribution

EPR

Round 1: A1, B1, B2, B3, C1, D1, E1, F1

Round 2: A2, B4, B5, B6, C2, D2, E2, E3, F2

Round 3: A3, A4, B7, B8, B9, D3, D4, E4


T1R

Round 1: A2, B4, B7, D3, E2

Round 2: A1, A3, B1, B8, E1, E4

Round 3: B3, B5, C1, D2, F2


T2R

Round 1: A3, B5, B8, C2, D4, E4

Round 2: A4, B2, B9, D1, D3

Round 3: A1, B1, B6, E2, E3, F1


T3R

Round 1: A4, B6, B9, D2, E3, F2

Round 2: B3, B7, C1, D4, F1

Round 3: A2, B2, B4, C2, D1, E1

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