Western Balkans civil society coalition urges governments to curb new gas spending

A coalition of civil society organizations is urging governments across the Western Balkans to reconsider their energy strategies, warning that continued investment in gas infrastructure could lock the region into long-term dependence on fossil-fuel imports. In a joint statement supported by 47 groups, including the CEE Bankwatch Network, the signatories argue that new pipelines and gas-fired power projects are more likely to increase consumption than reduce reliance on external suppliers—ultimately undermining energy security rather than strengthening it.

Timing, financing and the risk of stranded assets

The organizations say large-scale gas developments typically require up to a decade to complete, making them poorly suited for addressing immediate supply challenges. They also point to the financial burden of these investments, warning that projects could end up underutilized or reliant on long-term taxpayer-funded subsidies.

The statement references ongoing and planned initiatives across the region, including interconnectors, LNG terminals and gas-fired power plants that are backed by international partners in many cases. In Serbia specifically, authorities are continuing to expand gas infrastructure, including a planned 500 MW gas plant near Niš and other developments under consideration.

Calls for stronger analysis amid price volatility and policy change

Civil society representatives also raise concerns about what they describe as a lack of comprehensive cost-benefit analyses tied to these investments. They argue that planning should account for volatile gas prices, uncertain supply availability and evolving climate policies; without such inputs, governments may commit to infrastructure that becomes uneconomic over time.

Lower current gas reliance—yet potential for rapid buildout

Compared with the European Union, the Western Balkans currently has relatively low gas dependency. In 2024, gas accounted for more than 20% of the EU’s energy mix, while in the region the highest shares were recorded in Serbia and North Macedonia; elsewhere levels remain significantly lower. Several countries—including Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo—are described as largely unconnected to international gas networks.

The coalition warns that planned projects could sharply increase regional gas consumption compared with 2023 levels, creating long-term economic risks or leaving behind stranded assets.

Alternative priorities: renewables, electrification and efficiency

Instead of expanding gas capacity, the groups advocate prioritizing renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, supported by hydropower and stronger electricity interconnections. They also call for additional electrification in heating and transport—along with investment in heat pumps and geothermal solutions—and measures to improve energy efficiency to reduce overall consumption.