Western Balkans energy transition: a new expression of interest for renewable energy community projects

An open call for expressions of interest to select up to ten “lighthouse projects” in the Western Balkans has been launched. The call is part of the action “Better Cohesion through Development of Energy Communities in the Western Balkans”, aiming to support a just energy transition through the establishment of Renewable Energy Communities, funded by Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy.

This project falls within the EU Cohesion Policy and supports cooperation between EU and Western Balkans partners, particularly in the context of the EU Macro Regional Strategy for Adriatic and Ionian region. The initiative will support pilot projects in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, with a maximum of two projects per country.

Each selected project will receive tailored technical assistance and financial support to establish or enhance local renewable energy communities. Selected projects will be structured in two phases: the first supports community activation and legal establishment, while the second provides capacity-building and – where feasible – light infrastructure investments such as photovoltaic installations and smart meters.

The expression of interest follows a step-by-step, inclusive methodology, allowing applicants at different levels of readiness to apply. A two-round selection process ensures broad participation and geographic balance. Selected projects are expected to foster cooperative energy solutions, reduce energy poverty, and promote local ownership of the green transition.

This initiative exemplifies the added value of European Territorial Cooperation and reinforces the EU’s commitment to supporting community-driven, sustainable energy models in the region.

For more information and to access the application form, visit: call for expressions of interest