Energy Dependence and the Path to Resilience: Energy Transition in the Western Balkans

Abstract

Energy dependence remains one of the most significant challenges in the green transition process of the Western Balkan countries. The paper examines the level and dynamics of energy dependence of five countries in the region - Serbia, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina - in comparison with the European Union (EU-27) average during the period 2019-2024, which was marked by global crises and intense geopolitical pressures. Particular attention is paid to the relationship between energy dependence and the development of renewable energy capacities, as well as the role of various factors influencing the energy resilience of the region. The analysis points to pronounced differences among the Western Balkan countries, with some showing increased vulnerability, while others manage to maintain or improve their position. The paper emphasizes that an accelerated green transition requires an integrated approach focused on the expansion of renewable energy sources, which includes energy efficiency measures, regional cooperation, and strategic consideration of all available low-carbon technologies. The results provide a basis for a better understanding of the energy challenges facing the region in the context of the European Green Deal.