IENE actively participated in the Green Transision Forum 6.0 in Sofia, Bulgaria on June 1, where Mr. Costas Theofylaktos, Deputy Chairman of IENE, co-moderated an interactive session titled “The Energy Focus on South Eastern Europe” alongside Mr. Slavtcho Neykov, an IENE Partner. The session brought together over 60 stakeholders to discuss the region’s most pressing energy challenges.
The panel included: Mr. Plamen Mladenovski (Chairperson, Energy and Water Regulatory Commission, Bulgaria); Ms. Carolina Novac (State Secretary, Ministry of Energy, Moldova); Mr. Veselin Todorov (VVT Engineering); Mr. Corneliu Cote? (Policy Advisor, EBRD & UNDP); Ms. Teodora Georgieva (Deputy Minister of Energy 2025–2026, Bulgaria); Mr. Emil Angelov (CEO, Glavbolgarstroy Holding); and Mr. Kremen Georgiev (Chairman, Association of District Heating Companies of Bulgaria).
The discussion opened with a presentation of the Southeast European Energy Outlook 2025/26, setting the stage for a candid dialogue on security, transition, and regulation. A key consensus emerged: the region stands at a critical inflection point. While decarbonization goals remain central, affordability and supply stability cannot be neglected. Participants explored how SEE can accelerate RES integration without compromising grid resilience, emphasizing regional coordination, cross-border balancing, and investment in storage and interconnectors.
Regulatory adaptation was also addressed, with acknowledgment that current frameworks often lag behind market realities. A flexible, forward-looking approach—rewarding innovation while protecting consumers—is essential for attracting private capital. Financing the transition remains a hurdle; blending international support with domestic reforms is key. Practical pathways include technical assistance and de-risking instruments.
Finally, the session tackled the human dimension: managing a just transition for fossil-fuel-dependent communities, with upskilling and social dialogue deemed non-negotiable. In closing, participants reaffirmed that no single country or institution can navigate this transformation alone. Enhanced regional cooperation and knowledge-sharing—such as that fostered by IENE—are indispensable for turning Southeast Europe’s energy ambitions into reality.
