Aims and expected results

"Better Cohesion through Development of Energy Communities in the Western Balkans" is an EU-funded project that supports a fair and inclusive energy transition in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia. It promotes the creation of Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) — locally led, citizen-based initiatives that produce, consume, and manage renewable energy in a cooperative way.

At its core, the project believes that clean energy can do more than reduce emissions: it can build stronger, more connected communities, reduce energy poverty, and strengthen trust between citizens and institutions. That’s why this initiative is part of the EU Cohesion Policy, which focuses on reducing disparities and improving the quality of life across regions.

Impact and legacy

By enabling RECs to take root in diverse local contexts, the project aims to:

• Accelerate the renewable energy transition in non-EU regions
• Strengthen territorial cohesion through shared, sustainable goals
• Build long-term capacity among communities, institutions, and policymakers

The initiative does not stop at technical outputs. It’s designed to trigger lasting change, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that no region is left behind in the shift to a green, just and inclusive energy future.