The 23rd meeting of the Energy Thematic Steering Group (TSG2) was conducted online on 20 April 2026 through the EUSAIR Stakeholder Platform. The session was organised by the Pillar Coordinators from Italy and North Macedonia and included Standing Members from nine participating EUSAIR countries, along with representatives of the European Commission (DG REGIO), the IPA ADRION Managing Authority, and Lead Partners of the EUSAIR Governance Support Projects.
Aligned with the implementation of the revised EUSAIR Action Plan, the meeting focused on strategic issues concerning energy security, decarbonisation, and macro-regional cooperation, in the context of geopolitical uncertainty and unstable energy markets. DG REGIO highlighted the importance of enhanced coordination at EU level to lower energy demand, support market stability, strengthen energy networks, and safeguard security of supply, while continuing to accelerate the green transition. The IPA ADRION Managing Authority provided an overview of ongoing programme activities contributing to EUSAIR energy priorities, including planned capitalisation initiatives and early input regarding the 2028–2034 programming period.
The meeting reviewed progress on the update of the EUSAIR Master Plan on Energy, which evaluates the current condition of energy systems in the Adriatic–Ionian Region and develops long-term scenarios extending to 2050. Key issues discussed included energy security challenges, continued dependence on fossil fuels, and the need to balance decarbonisation targets with affordability and system resilience. Standing Members are invited to submit their remarks on the revised sections by the end of July, with a consolidated version scheduled for presentation at the upcoming autumn meeting.
Further contributions were presented through the Rapid Assessment of Renewable Energy Potential in the Adriatic–Ionian Region, which provides insights into renewable energy resources, implementation obstacles, and opportunities for cross-border collaboration.
The session also covered EUSAIR’s involvement in the EU Enlargement process, particularly initiatives supporting candidate countries in aligning with the EU energy acquis.
Updates were shared on two forthcoming Energy Issue Papers focusing on the role of artificial intelligence in energy systems and hydrogen development in the Western Balkans.
Youth participation was also addressed, with input from the EUSAIR Youth Council representative for Pillar 2 Energy. A proposal for an Intergenerational Pact for a Sustainable and Cohesive Energy Future was discussed and will be further developed via written procedure.
Finally, the Coordinators introduced a draft agenda for the Energy Session of the 11th EUSAIR Annual Forum (Skopje, North Macedonia, 18–20 May 2026), titled “Energy Security through the Adriatic and Ionian Region to Confront Emerging Threats and Risks,” which received endorsement from the Standing Members.
The next TSG2 Energy meeting is planned for autumn 2026 in Belgrade in a hybrid format, under the Italian Presidency of EUSAIR.
