The European Commission has announced the completion of 90% of the aid grants for the increase in energy costs in the Western Balkans. This transfer of funds in the amount of 450 million for the entire region, the first part of the Energy Support Package, was drawn up based on the specific action plans of the Western Balkan partners, the European Commission announces.

EU Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi stated on this occasion that the Western Balkans look forward to the implementation of the national energy action plans of the Western Balkans to disburse the rest of the allocated funds.

The measures, as described in the national action plans by the governments of the Western Balkans, include, among other areas for Albania, subsidizing energy prices for households and SMEs, financial assistance for vulnerable persons and diversifying energy sources through investments wind and sun news.

The second part of the package, consisting of the remaining €500 million in grants, is offered to advance the energy transition, efficiency and independence of the Western Balkans in the short to medium term for renewable energy, gas and electricity projects, interconnectors, upgrading of central heating and renovation of old infrastructure (eg, old blocks of flats, hospitals and public buildings).

By addressing these needs, the substantial €1 billion Energy Support Package will help Western Balkan partners in the region begin to reduce their dependence on Russia.

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“Fossil fuels accelerate decarbonization and improve the energy security of the region”, says the European Commission.