Decarbonization is a clear obligation that all countries in the region have already committed to, stated Ivan Mrvaljević, Executive Director of the Development and Investment Directorate at Electric Power Industry of Montenegro (EPCG). He added that achieving a fair transition by 2030 would require €30 billion.
“All of us are signatories to these commitments. Therefore, it is necessary to open a clear and comprehensive dialogue with the European Commission (EU), because without institutional support, the transition will neither be fair nor feasible,” Mrvaljević emphasized.
Speaking at the Energy 2025 conference in Zlatibor, he noted that the region currently lacks the funds needed to ensure a just transition.
“We estimate that the region will need around €30 billion by 2030 to meet all the goals, which raises the crucial question of who will finance this,” Mrvaljević said.
He called for a joint and realistic approach, emphasizing that joining the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) is inevitable. “What is most important now is for everyone to understand the depth of the challenge and ensure the region is prepared in time to be ready by 2030,” he added.
Mrvaljević also discussed the current challenges in the region’s accession to the EU ETS system, with a particular focus on Montenegro’s position.
“This year has undoubtedly marked a new chapter in terms of decarbonization and regional integration. The key question is no longer whether, but how and when. We cannot be completely exempted, nor entirely outside the system,” he pointed out.
He highlighted that Montenegro is already taking concrete steps toward connecting with Italy’s market through a process called market coupling, which involves aligning regulatory and technical mechanisms. According to current information, the first available term for establishing technical connections is not expected until late 2026 or early 2027.
“Similar challenges are faced by other countries in the region, such as North Macedonia, which plans to connect with Greece. Technically and physically, significant changes cannot happen overnight,” Mrvaljević explained.
He also emphasized the importance of introducing protective mechanisms for third-party countries. “If Montenegro were exempt while Serbia was not, our traders would have to pay additional fees when purchasing electricity from Serbia, which would significantly undermine our market’s competitiveness,” he concluded.
The Energy Conference in Zlatibor brought together representatives from power companies, energy regulators, and international institutions across the region to discuss key challenges of the energy transition and climate policy within the context of European integration.
