Persistent Energy Poverty in Western Balkans

Seven years after the ratification of the Energy Community Treaty (EnCT), energy poverty persists in most of contracting parties countries. That prevents a more effective use of the available energy assets and puts the security of supply at risk. Energy supply crises - including the crisis from January 2009 - and vulnerability of contracting parties to supply shocks are signals of serious policy failure. We argue that persistent energy poverty is the impediment for implementation of the EnCT, while its eradication is necessary - although not a sufficient - prerequisite for reforms ...