When energy resources, transit routes, critical minerals and the interests of great powers meet in the Western Balkans: do citizens have a voice?

Abstract

This paper aims to point out the major problems faced by the citizens of the Western Balkans when it comes to future energy policy. The anticipated decarbonization of Europe by 2050 will significantly influence the region that embraces the green agenda. The regions clean transition is hindered by outdated energy infrastructure, a high share of coal in energy consumption, energy-intensive industries, elevated pollution levels, influence from global powers, and tensions both among the countries of the region and within the region itself. Moreover, the post-2022 energy landscape has grown increasingly complex, necessitating adjustments in energy policy for the Western Balkan countries that have yet to be clearly specified under complex conditions. Namely, the European Union is interested in exploitation of natural resources and transit routes, which is happening at the same time as the influence and interests of the great powers are growing in the region – often contradictory. In such a situation, citizens are denied the opportunity to participate in decision-making and become only observers of the events. The study provides an analysis of the energy sectors status in six Western Balkan economies, serving as a foundation for the development of future energy policy while highlighting the specificities of the clean transition amid intricate geopolitical upheavals that significantly impact the region. After analyzing the geopolitical, infrastructural, socio-economic, and resource inputs (including critical raw materials and rare earth elements), it is evident that a just transition and the involvement of citizens in formulating the energy policy of their own countries is almost impossible. Recommendations have been provided in this regard.