In the few years since Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia have submitted their NDCs to the Paris Agreement (while Kosovo developed a voluntary NDC), and  political leaders committed to the Western Balkans Green Agenda’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, some efforts have been made in establishing  the necessary frameworks and pathways for an accelerated just transition. Considering the region’s EU accession ambition, the high economic and social cost of coal-based electricity production, and limited investment resources,  decarbonisation has become a prevailing narrative. In the developed National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) we have witnessed the Western Balkans drop projects for building new coal power plants and strive to find alternative and sustainable pathways, with significant efforts devoted to  increased  renewable energy development.

However, the work initiated with the adoption of the 2030 headline energy and climate targets as well as NECPs is yet to be followed by corresponding long-term strategies and climate legislation, supported by decarbonisation tools such as carbon pricing. While the adoption of the Clean Energy Package within the Energy Community (EnC) provided the base to support the efforts of the EnC contracting parties to fulfil the 2030 ambition, its implementation remains slow. Although the region needs to gradually align towards the rest of the EU’s Fit for 55 package, discussions are still largely confined to the introduction of carbon pricing schemes in response to the entering into force of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. Meanwhile, the EU introduced a new Reform and Growth Facility aimed at accelerating the countries’ green transition, among other reforms, whose efficiency remains to be seen.

While processes are progressing slowly and often lack coordination, the new NDC cycle is urging countries to consolidate their plans by providing a clear vision that would tackle two main challenges in the Western Balkans: setting a level of ambition high enough to be credible to reach decarbonisation by 2050, and establishing a compatible coal-phase-out timeline. 

In addition, in the Western Balkans, climate change is already manifesting with increased intensity, and the whole region is experiencing adverse impacts and related losses and damages to both nature and people.  Floods, drought, extreme heat, landslides, and wildfire hazards are occurring more frequently and with greater severity, posing escalating risks to lives, livelihoods, and economic stability. This has made the Western Balkans a climate and other natural hazard hotspot within Europe, alongside the other health and economic impacts caused by the air, soil and water pollution often heavily linked with coal-based energy production. 

CAN Europe’s work in the region aims at mobilising and strengthening capacities for national, regional and EU level support, towards the adoption and implementation of ambitious climate and energy policies, which would enable the socially just energy transition accessible to people and in harmony with nature, sustainable development of the region, as well as climate resilient future. 

National Energy and Climate Plans: From obligation to opportunity

The development of National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) is a key obligation under the Energy Community Treaty, as well as a crucial opportunity for countries to define their decarbonisation paths to 2030 and beyond.

Yet, as outlined in CAN Europe’s latest 2024 progress report, most Western Balkan countries are still failing to present timely and credible plans. Previous CAN Europe tracking of the progress of the development of NECPs in the Western Balkan region, including a deep dive into the first NECPs submitted by Albania and North Macedonia, and an analysis of the follow up submissions of drafts by Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Serbia, showed that the governments failed to use a historic opportunity to present concrete pathways to the 2030 targets while responding to the energy crisis in a timely and inclusive manner. We still await the delivery of a true change, by dramatically accelerating climate action to a nature-friendly and socially just energy transition with benefits accessible to all.

NDCs: A tool for development and climate action

The Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) 3.0 cycle under the Paris Agreement offers the last opportunity to keep the 1.5 temperature goal within reach.  New NDCs, due in early 2025, are expected to present countries’ intended climate actions through 2035. The evaluation of global progress on achieving the Paris Agreement goals has highlighted the urgent need for stronger climate policies and commitments. At the same time, research confirms that climate impacts are occurring faster and with more severe consequences than previously projected. According to CAN Europe’s 2024 guidelines for Paris Compatible NDCs 3.0, the NDCs for the Western Balkans can double as national development and investment strategies, helping countries cut pollution, boost energy independence and adaptation efforts, and generate green jobs. 

Ending coal dependency

Coal remains a dominant energy source in the Western Balkans and a major threat to climate, health, and economic stability. Outdated thermal power plants across the region account for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions, while also causing thousands of premature deaths due to air pollution.

Ending subsidies to coal, enforcing compliance with EU environmental standards, and planning a fair and timely coal phase-out are vital. The Energy Community acquis and the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans provide the policy backbone for this shift.

CAN Europe continues to advocate for a fossil-free future grounded in social equity and legal accountability.

A Just Transition that leaves no one behind

The transition to clean energy must be fair, inclusive, and locally rooted. A just transition means investing in people and communities, particularly those most affected by the shift away from coal.

CAN Europe supports a just transition framework that includes workers, municipalities, civil society, and youth. We work to ensure affected groups have meaningful access to information, transparent consultation processes, and real participation in the decisions that shape their future.

Overcoming barriers for Renewable based energy system

The Western Balkans has enormous untapped potential for renewables. CAN Europe promotes a people-centred energy model that prioritises energy efficiency, sustainable solar and wind development, and community ownership.

In partnership with a growing regional network, CAN Europe is actively supporting the emergence of energy communities, citizen-led initiatives that allow people to generate, manage, and share clean energy locally. 

The Energija Zajednice platform showcases such initiatives across the region, building awareness and political momentum for a more democratic energy system.

As part of CAN Europe’s efforts to break the stigma and address the scepticism and mistrust around renewable energy, in 2024 a solar-powered public sculpture installed both in Skopje and Belgrade by the local artist Aleksandar Eftimovski became a symbol of this vision, combining community participation, creative expression, and the power of renewables to initiate an inclusive, public dialogue on energy transformation in the Western Balkan region. 

Strengthening climate journalism in the region

Countering climate dis and misinformation while fostering informed public debate is essential for democratic climate action. CAN Europe has committed to connect journalists working on climate and energy issues across the Western Balkans. CAN Europe’s training for journalists helps strengthen reporting skills, build resilience to disinformation, and promote a fact-based narrative around energy and climate challenges. This format creates space for exchange, cross-border collaboration, and professional growth for climate communicators in the region.

Youth voices at the centre

Young people are leading the call for bolder climate action and their voices must be heard. 

CAN Europe collaborates with youth-led organisations to elevate youth priorities in national and regional policy processes.

Through the annual Youth Climate Forum, co-organised with regional partners, youth from across the Western Balkans are coming together to formulate and present concrete demands to their governments, including for more ambitious and participatory NDCs.

These spaces help ensure intergenerational equity and democratic legitimacy in the transition to a climate-neutral region, fostering a just transition that truly leaves no one behind.