At the 103rd session of the Joint Serbian-Romanian Commission for Djerdap, held in Belgrade, Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy, Dubravka Đedović Handanović, affirmed Serbia’s commitment to strategic energy cooperation with Romania, highlighting its importance for strengthening regional energy security and accelerating the green energy transition.
According to a statement from the Ministry, Đedović Handanović emphasized the significance of long-term collaboration between the two countries, noting the development of key projects that will enhance energy security.
“It is crucial that through the work of this long-standing Joint Commission, we continue to build bridges of trust, stability, and concrete partnership between Serbia and Romania,” the Minister said. “I’m particularly pleased that during the current mandate, we’ve restored continuity in these sessions—holding four meetings in two years, which had not been the case previously.”
She underlined the importance of resolving practical issues along the shared border and promoting regional cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, transportation, environmental protection, and energy. This, she said, opens the door for strategic dialogue and tangible initiatives.
Đedović Handanović also highlighted Serbia’s leadership in the region’s electricity and renewable energy sectors, as confirmed by Energy Community reports for two consecutive years. She stated that the Joint Commission could play a vital role in expanding bilateral cooperation to include essential energy infrastructure projects.
“Serbia has increased its installed renewable energy capacity by 85% in the past two years. Currently, an additional 2.5 gigawatts of green energy projects—financed through both public and private sectors—are underway. These projects require improved energy balancing and storage capacities. The potential Đerdap 3 pumped-storage hydropower plant is crucial for energy stability, storage, and greater integration of renewable sources,” she said.
The Minister expressed hope that the Commission will continue evolving into a platform for discussing future initiatives and technical innovations, adding that Serbia is also expecting a visit from Romania’s future energy minister to explore mutually beneficial projects.
Đedović Handanović also highlighted the planned Serbia–Romania gas pipeline as a key step in diversifying supply, enhancing integration with regional and European markets, and increasing resilience to energy crises.
“With this connection, we are laying the groundwork for greater diversification of gas sources. We’ve already signed cooperation agreements, which should be implemented in the near future,” she said.
Romanian Ambassador to Serbia, Silvia Davidoiu, echoed the Minister’s sentiments, noting that energy cooperation remains one of the most dynamic and productive areas of bilateral relations.
“Energy is at the heart of our bilateral agenda. I’m pleased the Commission has re-established a consistent working rhythm, and I look forward to resuming dialogue once Romania’s new government is formed,” the ambassador stated.
