Serbia has become the first country in the region to meet the requirements for integration with the European Union’s electricity market, Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović stated at the Energy Community Ministerial Council meeting in Athens. She highlighted Serbia’s expectation for a gradual and fair introduction of the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), accompanied by adequate financial support from the EU.
Đedović Handanović reaffirmed Serbia’s commitment to reforms and alignment with the EU acquis, noting that Serbia has been recognized as a leader in energy reforms in the region over the past two years.
The minister announced that in the coming weeks, the Serbian government will adopt regulations to finalize the necessary legal processes for integration with the EU electricity market, as part of the Western Balkans Growth Plan. She expressed hope that European institutions will swiftly complete the required procedures, enabling Serbia to join the Hungarian electricity market in 2026, and subsequently integrate fully with the rest of the EU.
She identified the phased introduction of CBAM as the biggest challenge ahead and called for the carbon tax to be implemented gradually and fairly, with financial aid from EU funds. Đedović Handanović suggested that the revenues from this tax should be reinvested in decarbonization efforts, renewable energy development, energy efficiency improvements, and ensuring a just transition.
The minister also voiced concerns about the tight timeline for this transition, warning that imposing high carbon costs without sufficient adjustment periods could place significant financial burdens on Serbian industries and consumers. She reminded that EU member states had over twenty years to adapt to carbon taxation measures.
Concluding, Đedović Handanović emphasized that Serbia remains ready to continue harmonizing its energy policies with EU legislation, but urged that decisions must be carefully made to protect energy stability and safeguard the interests of both citizens and the economy.
