Reforming the energy sector is not only crucial for Serbia’s ambitions to join the European Union but also vital for ensuring energy stability and securing sufficient electricity and gas supplies for citizens and the economy—both now and in the future, as the country transitions safely to cleaner energy sources. This was emphasized by Dubravka Đedović Handanović, Minister of Mining and Energy.
“Two and a half years ago, we boldly began reforming an energy sector long neglected and burdened with decades of problems,” said the minister at the NALED Annual Assembly, where the 17th edition of the Gray Book—containing 100 recommendations for improving business conditions—was presented. Since then, Serbia has been repeatedly praised by the Energy Community as a regional leader in reforms, particularly in the power industry and renewable energy development.
Minister Đedović Handanović highlighted Serbia’s significant progress in market integration, expressing confidence that Serbia will be among the first to complete the merger with the EU electricity market, starting with Hungary, setting an example for the region.
The Ministry of Mining and Energy plans to invest approximately €15 billion over the next decade in the energy sector, with the largest share—around €7 billion—allocated to hydroelectric and renewable energy capacities. Investments will also focus on new base capacities to ensure supply stability, further development of transmission and distribution networks, and new oil and gas projects.
One priority noted in the latest Gray Book edition is the introduction of a Mechanism for Cross-Border Carbon Price Adjustment (CBAM), modeled after the EU system. The ministry is currently preparing a national analysis to assess the impact of carbon pricing and CBAM on Serbia’s economy.
“We understand the challenges these costs bring and are committed to finding the most acceptable solutions to protect our economy and citizens,” Đedović Handanović said.
The ministry is among the few that have successfully implemented recommendations from previous Gray Books, thanks to digitizing connection procedures for energy producers and buyers and establishing the ‘active buyer’ role through amendments to the Energy Act last year. The number of prosumers—those who both produce and consume energy—has increased more than fifteenfold in the last two and a half years.
The minister expressed appreciation for the cooperation with NALED and welcomed the upcoming establishment of the Energy Council in June, a new platform designed to foster dialogue between the government, businesses, experts, and international partners.
Highlighting NALED’s focus on the economic empowerment of women as the “theme of the year,” Đedović Handanović stressed the joint responsibility of public and private sectors to create opportunities for women to influence Serbia’s development. She noted that over the past two years, the number of women leading state-owned energy companies has increased, and pledged continued efforts to ensure equal advancement opportunities.
“I hope NALED’s member companies will follow this example by promoting professional women into leadership roles within the private sector,” she concluded.
