ENERGY SITUATION IN THE WESTERN BALKAN COUNTRIES

This paper analyzes the current situation in the energy sector in the Western Balkans. Since this region was affected by war a little more than a decade ago, the energy sector and in particular infrastructure requires additional investments in reconstruction and development. After democratic changes all countries have applied for membership in the European Union, and currently have a different status as an candidate or potential candidate with a clear orientation for membership in the EU community-28th. Given that energy is one of the sectors in which it is necessary to align the legal framework with EU legislation, guidelines of Energy 2020 - A strategy for competitive, sustainable and secure energy are binding for the countries of the Western Balkans. Hence, the use of renewable energy resources and reducing greenhouse gase emision are not only a necessity but also the obligation arising from the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries. In this paper we point to the potential and energy management capabilities of renewable energy resources.