We are pleased to announce the publication of the research report “Energy Democracy and Energy Poverty in Europe: Focus on the Western Balkans”. The report has been developed within the framework of the POWERINGCITIZENS project, which is funded by the European Commission through the CERV Programme
The report examines, through a mixed-methods approach, how EU strategies for sustainable development and climate neutrality (European Green Deal, Fit for 55 package, and NextGenerationEU) can contribute to empowering energy-poor citizens and advancing energy democracy in Italy, Greece, Germany, Kosovo, Albania, and the Netherlands. Emphasis is given to the Western Balkans, where energy poverty levels are notably high due to structural vulnerabilities, economic challenges, and insufficient infrastructure.
The report explores and evaluates how national and local governance schemes address the needs of vulnerable groups, facilitate citizen engagement, support inclusive energy transition processes, and alleviate energy poverty through targeted policies and community-based initiatives.
Regarding the research findings, the report sheds light on significant gaps between the expectations of European strategies and their implementation in reality. Indicatively, procedural delays, limited administrative capacities, uneven regional deployment, weak mechanisms for citizen participation, and inability to adopt a rights-based approach that empowers citizens, are factors that hinder effective solutions, especially in Western Balkans.
The report concludes with a set of strategic recommendations for overcoming these challenges: strengthening multilevel governance cooperation, enhancing local administrative capacities, promoting citizen-led energy initiatives (such as renewable energy communities), and integrating the concept of energy justice into climate action plans.
Presenting a thorough overview of the current energy poverty landscape in Europe and the Western Balkans, the relevant transition strategies, and in-depth policy directions, this research report serves as a valuable guidance for policymakers, local authorities, civil society organisations and other stakeholders aiming to foster sustainable and participatory energy systems in the region.
You can download the report here.