Ministers and representatives responsible for energy of the Hellenic Republic, the Republic of Serbia, the Republic of North Macedonia and the Republic of Bulgaria met today in Athens to discuss the future of regional cooperation and connectivity in the field of energy in Southeast Europe.
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Countries of Southeast Europe commit to strengthening energy security
Belgrade/Athens,
15 May 2026
A joint statement by the energy ministries of Greece, Serbia, North Macedonia and Bulgaria states that, in the context of ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and instability in global energy markets, the ministers reaffirmed that energy security, affordability and resilience are no longer exclusively national priorities, but are shared European and regional responsibilities.
They underlined that Southeast Europe must play a more active role in shaping the future architecture of the European energy system through enhanced cooperation, better interconnections and greater market integration.
The ministers highlighted the significant progress that Europe has made in recent years in strengthening its energy security, diversifying supply routes and accelerating the transition to clean energy.
At the same time, they stressed that significant challenges remain, in particular in ensuring that all regions of Europe benefit equally from a truly integrated, interconnected and competitive Energy Union.
In this context, the ministers highlighted the strategic importance of regional cooperation between neighbouring countries as a driver for improving infrastructure connectivity, electricity and gas market integration, system flexibility and security of supply.
They welcomed closer coordination between transmission system operators and encouraged all relevant stakeholders to intensify efforts aimed at removing remaining obstacles to cross-border integration and fostering investment in key energy infrastructure.
The ministers also discussed the impact of the ongoing instability in the wider region and in the Middle East on international energy markets, recognising the importance of coordinated action to strengthen resilience to supply disruptions and price volatility.
They stressed that improved interconnectivity in the region contributes not only to energy security, but also to price stability, competitiveness and the successful integration of renewable energy sources.
The participants reaffirmed their shared ambition to work towards a more interconnected, resilient and future-oriented regional energy framework, in line with the broader objectives of the European Energy Union.
They agreed that Southeast Europe can and must become a pillar of stability, cooperation and strategic coherence in the broader European context, according to a statement following today's ministerial meeting.
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Author: Nenad Kostić -
Author: Nenad Kostić
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