Connectivity is at the core of ensuring energy security and providing affordable energy for the countries of Southeast Europe.

This topic was the focus of a special panel dedicated to the energy sector in Southeast Europe during the sixth edition of the Green Transition Forum 6.0. The discussion, organized jointly with the Institute of Energy for Southeast Europe, brought together representatives from the energy sector, business community, and regulatory authorities from Bulgaria and across Europe. Participants emphasized the need for a collective approach, policy coordination, and cooperation among EU Member States and countries in the region to ensure the rapid implementation of strategic projects and long-term certainty in securing affordable energy for households.

Among the panel participants was Emil Angelov, Chief Executive Officer of Glavbolgarstroy Holding, who highlighted the need for a common regional approach among countries, particularly in the implementation of projects of national strategic importance that enhance regional energy connectivity, such as the Vertical Gas Corridor.

According to Angelov, in the context of implementing international projects, countries must work in sync—with a clear vision and a shared approach—while applying streamlined procedures and adhering to specific timelines.

"The challenges facing the implementation of large-scale energy projects today are related to overcoming regulatory hurdles and the speed at which different countries address them. It is important for countries to establish effective coordination and share a common vision for the region in order to deliver internationally significant projects within short timeframes," stated the CEO of Glavbolgarstroy Holding.

He further noted that accelerating processes and aligning policy visions among countries would contribute to the faster integration of new technologies in Southeast Europe, including hydrogen solutions and the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

During the panel, participants also emphasized the need for investments in energy storage facilities, which were identified as essential to the region’s energy transition, as well as increased investment in long-term solutions such as pumped-storage hydropower plants (PSHPPs).

An example of integrating reliable energy sources was provided by Carolina Novac, State Secretary at the Ministry of Energy of Moldova. She shared that the government supports private businesses investing in renewable energy generation capacities. Representatives of regulatory authorities also welcomed the introduction of fast-track procedures for nationally significant energy projects that strengthen regional connectivity and energy security, such as the Vertical Gas Corridor and Units 7 and 8 of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant.

The discussion reinforced the view that ensuring affordable and reliable energy is fundamental to the competitiveness and economic stability of countries, leading to sustainable policies and more secure markets.