Unprecedented crises need unprecedented action

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Capital Investments Ervin Ibrahimović attended the meeting organised by European Commissioner Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi with Western Balkans energy ministers. The meeting addressed the WB6's immediate, short- and midterm needs when it comes to energy diversification and efficiency, renewables, connectivity of electricity and gas networks and interconnectors.

The EU is ready to provide support to the countries of Western Balkans in order to protect their energy systems and the end users, i.e. the citizens, as much as possible from the consequences of the crisis that will affect all countries without exception.

Today, I talked with Western Balkans energy ministers about the challenges they face from the energy crisis. I heard their demands and we discussed how the EU could help. Unprecedented crises need unprecedented action and we will stand by our Western Balkan partners, said the EU Commissioner.

The Western Balkan ministers used the opportunity to present the problems they face when it comes to energy supply and production, as well as the current measures and activities they are undertaking.

Minister Ibrahimović referred to Montenegro's intention to protect vulnerable population groups, stressing that the rise in energy prices causes concern due to the impact it may have on the stability of the energy system in the country. On the other hand, the intentions of Brussels are encouraging, as are the messages that the countries of the region will have the support of the European Union in mitigating the consequences of the energy crisis, said the Minister.

Furthermore, he informed the Commissioner and his counterparts about medium-term measures that Montenegro is implementing to overcome the crisis.