16th South East Europe Energy Dialogue

Draft Programme

08.30 – 09.00 Registration

09.00 – 09.15 Opening Session (I) - Introductory Remarks by the Organizers

09.15 – 10.00 Keynote Addresses by Dignitaries and by the Chairman of the Hellenic Business Council of Bulgaria

10.00 – 11.00 Session II Energy Security in SE Europe

10.00 – 10.20
Part A The “SE Europe Energy Outlook”
Presentation of IENE’s latest study on the “SE Europe Energy Outlook 2025/2026” with emphasis on Energy Security.

10.20 – 11.00
Part B Strengthening Energy Security
A discussion to take place on the key issues related to energy security facing Europe, the EU and SE Europe in particular. Oil and gas supply along with storage considerations will be analysed together with the role of Renewables and Energy Efficiency.

11.00 – 11.30 Coffee Break

11.30 – 13.00 Session IΙI Electricity Market Issues in SE Europe

11.30 – 12.15
Part A Do We Need Electricity Market Reform?
The target model and how this is applied in the different countries of the region, will come into focus. Also, the role of the region’s Electricity Exchanges will be explained together with the latest experience of market participants.

12.15 – 13.00
Part B Electricity Connectivity, Digitalization and CBAM implications in SEE
How fast can full electricity connectivity in the region be achieved and what will be the benefits? As new rules related to the CBAM Regulation have come into force from 1/1/2026, cross-border electricity flows have come to a standstill. What can be done.

13.00 – 14.00 Lunch Break

14.00 – 15.45 Session IV The Strategic Role of Gas in Electricity Grid Management and Decarbonization in SE Europe

14.00 – 14.45
Part A Market Operation and Supply Issues
As gas prices are on the rise and volatility takes hold, following the latest geopolitical turmoil in the Persian Gulf but also in Ukraine, the role of gas in the region is being re-assessed. Yet, natural gas provides the fastest and safest way to decarbonisation. In this respect, the role of gas is being strengthened as a main transition fuel. The need for further diversification in gas supply sources and import routes is discussed.

14.45 – 15.45
Part B Infrastructure: Gas Transmission, LNG, Gas Storage
As more gas delivery points appear in the region with LNG fast replacing gas delivered through pipelines, transmission issues emerge. We have two North - South gas corridors in place: the more advanced and functioning Vertical Corridor covering the east part of the Balkans (South to Noth) and the one in the West in the making. The case of the Vertical Corridor is examined in some detail, especially with new FSRU’s being planned in Greece and Turkiye and competition from the Baltic countries.

15.45 – 16.00 Coffee Break

16.00 – 16.45 Session V Energy Efficiency: The Missing Pillar of Energy Security and Affordability in SE Europe

Energy efficiency plays a crucial role in reducing energy consumption and supporting climate and economic goals, and it is strongly driven by regulatory frameworks such as building standards, efficiency obligations, and energy performance directives. Its deployment is supported by various financing tools, including public subsidies, green loans, and energy service companies, with particular emphasis on improving public buildings through large-scale renovation programs. At the same time, energy efficiency helps address energy poverty by lowering household energy bills and is closely linked to energy security, as reduced demand decreases dependence on imported fuels and enhances resilience to energy price and supply shocks.

16.45 – 17.30 Session VI Expanding Renewable Energy Use with Storage
As electricity grids in the region are fast becoming congested with surplus electricity inflows from renewable sources, especially during mid-day, and we are witnessing serious curtailments of RES inputs, the role of electricity storage is becoming pivotal for further RES expansion. Speakers and panelists in the session will examine the impact on electricity grid operation from increased use of electric batteries and hydro pump storage.

17.30 – 18.15 Session VII A Greater Role for Nuclear Power in the Region
As more nuclear capacity is being added in the region (Turkiye, Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria), the role of nuclear power as major base load provider is being re-assessed. In addition, interest in SMR’s is growing daily with first units already planned in Romania. How much base load can nuclear power cover in the SEE area? Is the cost justified?

18.15 – 18.30 Closing Remarks and End of Conference