The Minister of Mining and Energy, Dubravka Đedović Handanović, met with the EU Ambassador to Serbia, Emanuele Giaufret, to discuss the ongoing reforms and the measures set for the energy sector, as well as the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between Serbia and the European Union regarding cooperation in the value chain of rare mineral raw materials and electric vehicles.
Đedović Handanović highlighted the recent leasing of additional gas capacities at the LNG terminal in Alexandroupolis, which Serbia will utilize as necessary. “The Serbia-Bulgaria gas interconnection is operational, and we are now receiving gas from Azerbaijan. With EU support, we have established an alternative gas supply, crucial for our energy security, especially in the event of market disruptions. These are the goals we aim to achieve under the reform agenda by 2027,” she stated, according to a press release from the Ministry of Mining and Energy.
The minister also noted that with the adoption of amendments to the Energy Law, Serbia is entering the process of merging its electricity market with the EU’s and integrating into the European security system. “By joining the EU electricity market, we will facilitate electricity exchanges with neighboring countries and EU member states, enabling the cheapest market electricity to benefit our citizens and economy. Additionally, we will be part of the European security system, which enhances crisis management and better preparedness in case of power outages—such as the one that impacted almost the entire region this summer, but not Serbia. By the first half of next year, we plan to complete the regulatory framework and set the stage for joining the EU market,” Đedović Handanović explained.
The discussion also covered the mechanism for regulating cross-border carbon emissions as part of the decarbonization process for the energy sector. “A carbon tax, as it exists in the EU, would have severe effects on our economy, resulting in enormous costs. We have analyzed its application in electricity production and have proposed a more favorable and sustainable solution. I expect the discussion on this to continue within the Energy Community framework. I hope the EU, in line with the principles of solidarity towards its less wealthy members, will offer financial and other support to Energy Community contracting parties before joining the EU, to accelerate decarbonization and climate neutrality goals,” she said.
In the middle of this year, Serbia and the EU signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate in the value chain of rare mineral raw materials and electric vehicles. The goal of this collaboration is to establish a mutually beneficial strategic partnership in these areas.
“By the end of this year, we will define precise steps for implementing the Memorandum, which includes industrial cooperation, research and innovation, high environmental, social, and governance standards, mobilization of financial and investment instruments in line with EU standards, and development of human resources for this partnership. Without critical mineral resources, achieving the climate and energy transition goals will not be possible,” the Minister added.
EU Ambassador to Serbia, Emanuele Giofre, emphasized that the EU remains Serbia’s key partner in the energy sector. “Thanks to EU support, Serbian citizens can rely on more stable and greener energy, reducing dependency on Russian gas after the opening of the gas pipeline connecting Serbia to Bulgaria. It is vital that Serbia continues to separate its gas supply companies and diversify its energy sources and supply routes,” Giofre stated.
Giofre also mentioned the new Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, which offers opportunities for new energy projects via the Investment Framework. To access funds from this plan, Serbia must implement the required reforms and fulfill its obligations. Through the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance, Serbia has already received over 800 million euros for energy sector projects. He concluded, “The EU-Serbia Memorandum on sustainable raw materials, battery value chains, and electric vehicles represents our shared commitment to advancing the green transition. By strategically cooperating in these key sectors, we open up vast potential for sustainable growth and innovation while strengthening Serbia’s integration into the EU single market and enhancing its economic, social, and environmental convergence with the EU. Further decarbonization and renewable energy sources are crucial to our shared future.”
