The Role of the Energy Charter Process in Accelerating the Energy Transition and Ensuring Energy Security in South East Europe in Line with the Energy Union

Abstract

Globally, there is a strong momentum for thinking more innovatively about the pathways for achieving the energy transition necessary for the successful implementation of the Paris Agreement and the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals. In 2015, the European Commission adopted the Energy Union framework strategy, which created a new momentum towards achieving the energy transition and improving energy security in the European Union (EU). As South East Europe has progressively converged their energy and economic policies with those of the EU, the question that arises is how South East Europe can accelerate the energy transition and ensure energy security in line with the Energy Union strategy. In that respect, the Energy Charter process, in particular the Energy Charter Treaty, promotes and protects investments in energy infrastructure, renewables, and energy efficiency, as well as facilitates the secure transit of energy supplies. Hence, this chapter deliberates on the role of the Energy Charter process in contributing towards the energy transition and energy security in South East Europe in line with the Energy Union vision of the EU.