Draft NECPs in the Western Balkans need heightened commitment and increased clarity to enhance both their credibility and implementation

Missed Targets: Insights into the Draft NECPs of the Western Balkans

CAN Europe releases its assessment report for the drafts of National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) submitted by Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Serbia to the Energy Community Secretariat.

The report offers a detailed assessment of the draft National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) submitted by Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Serbia to the Energy Community Secretariat in mid-2023. The Western Balkan region, heavily dependent on fossil fuels, particularly lignite, confronts significant challenges in transitioning to renewable energy sources and effective climate action. The interconnected nature of greenhouse gas emissions reduction, the share of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption, and energy efficiency is an essential aspect of this transition.

The assessment analyses the ambition levels of the three key targets, the NECPs’ capability to achieve these targets, and their potential to set the countries on a course towards climate neutrality by 2050, in alignment with the shared goals of the European Union and the Western Balkans under the Green Agenda and the Paris Agreement.

The assessment report highlights that while there has been some progress in the drafting of NECPs, there is a need for substantial improvements. The findings of the assessment further reveal a need for more concrete actions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Serbia, particularly in the development of a well-defined coal phase-out strategy and measures to decrease reliance on coal by 2030.

Key findings:

• Not enough climate ambition demonstrated by a lack of detailed planning for achieving outlined climate objectives;

• Lack of climate ambition means a continuous reliance on coal for electricity generation, and no coal phase out date or plans;

• Overall descriptive rather than concrete policies and measures, with no quantifiable goals;

• Positive narrative and developments towards renewables and energy efficiency;

• Poor process, with lack of transparency, low submission rate and lack of adequate public participation, and no follow-up on the findings,
  

Read and download the full report here