Energy reforms and integration of region – key topics of WB6 Ministerial Meeting

Skopje, Macedonia (9 February 2017) -- At the meeting of ministers of energy of the Western Balkans (WB6), within the framework of the Berlin Process, it was concluded that Montenegro has made a significant progress in the opening of the electricity market, forming the electrical distribution system as well as in the implementation of the Trans-Balkan corridor.

The Minister of Economy Dragica Sekulić participated in the meeting, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister of Macedonia Vladimir Peshevski, as well as the representatives of other WB6 countries, Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn and Director of the Energy Community Secretariat Janez Kopač.

The meeting was an opportunity for the ministers of energy to show the current situation in the energy sector, as well as the achievements of goals set by the Energy Community. The main topics of the meeting were the implementation of energy reforms, connecting the region and defining further steps to successful cooperation in the Western Balkans. A special emphasis is given to Montenegro’s initiative in bringing regional hydrological maps, aim of which is to present the hydro potential of the region and its proper utilization.

Minister Sekulić and Minister of Foreign Affairs Srđan Darmanović participated in a joint meeting of both ministers of energy and foreign affairs, where the Regional programme of energy efficiency and Green Growth Fund was signed between the European Commission and representatives of financial institutions KfW, EBRD and EIB.