4th Socio-Ecological Forum in Skopje Tackles Energy Policies in Western Balkans and EU

The 4th Socio-Ecological Forum, organized by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, is taking place today in Skopje, focusing on energy policies in Western Balkan countries and the European Union.

This forum occurs against the backdrop of significant regional events, including the upcoming Tirana Connectivity Forum 2024, which will mark the 10th anniversary of the Berlin Process and discuss EU enlargement in the Western Balkans.

Why this matters: The 4th Socio-Ecological Forum's focus on energy policies in Western Balkan countries and the European Union has broader implications for regional cooperation and EU integration. The forum's discussions and outcomes may influence the pace and direction of EU enlargement in the Western Balkans, affecting the region's economic and political development.

The primary objectives of the forum are to examine energy policies in both the Western Balkan countries and the European Union, discuss regional cooperation and connectivity, and explore the region's development path towards EU membership.

The event is organized by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation and involves key organizations including the European Commission, the EU Council Presidency, and North Macedonia representing the Western Balkans region.

Key topics of discussion include energy policies, regional cooperation, EU enlargement, closing the connectivity gap through infrastructure and reforms, increasing private sector involvement in the connectivity sector, and reviewing the EU accession policy toolbox.

The forum's context is further enriched by recent developments in Montenegro's EU accession process. The Government of Montenegro has fulfilled all obligations related to obtaining the Interim Benchmark Assessment Report (IBAR) within the given timeframe. According to Maida Gorčević, Montenegrin Minister for European Affairs, "It is important not to miss the favourable moment and the enthusiasm that exists both in Montenegro and at the European Union level regarding the enlargement policy."

The Montenegrin government expects the Parliament to adopt necessary laws to enable Montenegro to move to the final phase of the negotiation process. The Ministry for European Affairs is channeling all energy and capacities to prepare as many negotiation chapters as possible for closure at the Intergovernmental Conference during the Hungarian Presidency.

The IBAR represents an assessment of how much a candidate country has fulfilled interim benchmarks in chapters 23 and 24, indicating progress in the areas of rule of law and judiciary. Montenegro has received a total of 83 interim benchmarks in these chapters, with 31 still unfulfilled or partially fulfilled, including reforms and appointments in the judiciary, prosecution of war crimes, and the fight against corruption and organized crime.

The 4th Socio-Ecological Forum progresses, aiming to address the critical issues of energy policies and regional cooperation in the Western Balkans, providing a platform for dialogue and development towards EU integration.

Key Takeaways

• The 4th Socio-Ecological Forum focuses on energy policies in Western Balkan countries and the EU.
• The forum discusses regional cooperation, EU enlargement, and development towards EU membership.
• Key topics include energy policies, connectivity, and EU accession policy toolbox.
• Montenegro's EU accession process progresses with fulfilled obligations for IBAR.
• The forum aims to address critical issues in energy policies and regional cooperation.