Montenegro Hosts the Ministerial Energy Forum and Energy Investment Dialogue under its Presidency of the Berlin Process
Montenegro today, under its Presidency of the Berlin Process for 2026, hosted the Ministerial Energy Forum and the Energy Investment Dialogue, bringing together energy ministers from the Western Balkans, representatives of the European Union, the Energy Community, international financial institutions, and leading companies from the energy sector.
The event confirmed that the region is entering a decisive phase of the energy transition, where the focus is no longer on plans and strategies, but on the implementation of concrete projects, strengthening energy security, and accelerating the investment cycle.
Montenegro’s Minister of Energy and Mining, Admir Šahmanović, stated that today’s forum represents strong confirmation that the Western Balkans are becoming a space of opportunity, development, and tangible results.
“Today, we sent a strong and clear message that the Western Balkans are no longer a region of waiting, but a region of opportunity, development, and concrete delivery. The energy transition is not a challenge that divides us, but a historic opportunity to make the region more stable, stronger, and more competitive. Montenegro is determined to lead this process as a country building a modern, sustainable, and investment-attractive energy sector.
Our goal is to position Montenegro, through new partnerships, major infrastructure projects, and accelerated integration with the European energy market, as a reliable partner of the European Union and a future regional energy hub. I believe that through joint efforts we can ensure more secure supply, stronger economic growth, and a better quality of life for our citizens. Ahead of us is a time of major decisions, but also major opportunities – and Montenegro is ready to seize them,” said Minister Šahmanović.
During the Ministerial Energy Forum, key topics were discussed, including alignment with the EU energy and climate framework, electricity market integration, security of supply, renewable energy development, and strengthening regional infrastructure.
Director of the Energy Community Secretariat, Artur Lorkowski, highlighted the importance of political determination and regional partnership in the next phase of the transition.
“The Western Balkans have enormous energy potential, but success will depend on the speed of reforms, project readiness, and stronger interconnection of markets. The Berlin Process and the Energy Community remain strong pillars of support for the region on its path towards full integration into the European energy market,” said Lorkowski.
During the Energy Investment Dialogue, special attention was given to removing barriers to investment, improving regulatory predictability, developing grid infrastructure, and preparing projects capable of reaching financial close rapidly.
Participants agreed that the region holds significant investment potential, but that stronger momentum will require faster procedures, greater legal certainty, and stronger cooperation between the public and private sectors.
During its Presidency of the Berlin Process, Montenegro will continue to strongly promote regional cooperation, concrete infrastructure projects, and policies that contribute to the energy security, sustainability, and European perspective of the Western Balkans.
The Ministerial Energy Forum is supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, within the framework of the Regional Climate Partnership between Germany and the Western Balkans.
Established under the Berlin Process, the Partnership brings together the engagement of the German Government in the fields of climate and energy in the region through dialogue, reforms, as well as technical and financial cooperation, with the aim of accelerating the climate and energy transition in the Western Balkans.