The article Energy Transition in the Western Balkans by the Head of the Department for International Economic and Political Relations, Ana-Maria Boromisa, PhD, was published in Structural Change in the Western Balkans. In the article, Dr. Boromisa examines energy transition in the Western Balkans, highlighting the region’s heavy reliance on coal (apart from Albania) and the resulting financial, environmental and public health risks as EU carbon rules tighten. She identifies key obstacles such as fragmented governance, external interference, and skills shortages, and stresses the need for clear national energy transition plans that redirect fossil fuel subsidies toward renewables and protect vulnerable households. Dr. Boromisa argues that the energy transition offers a transformative opportunity for sustainable development, job creation, regional cooperation, and deeper EU integration.
The publication Structural Change in the Western Balkans was developed within the project “Aspen Western Balkans Initiative: Engagement for Progress and Stability” that is implemented by the Aspen Institute Germany with the support of the German Federal Foreign Office. The publication accompanies the international conference “Structural Change in the Western Balkans,” hosted in Tirana in October 2025 by the Aspen Institute in cooperation with the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania. The initiative aimed to promote dialogue and cooperation across the region, develop concrete policy recommendations, and draw public attention to the EU enlargement and reform process. Aspen Germany’s regional conferences and related publications brought together experts from diverse fields to foster collaboration and generate new opportunities for regional engagement.
Deutsche Welle (DW) also reported on the publication which is available here.
