The European Commission has launched an open call for expressions of interest to select up to ten “lighthouse projects” aimed at advancing renewable energy communities in the Western Balkans, as part of its initiative “Better Cohesion through Development of Energy Communities.”
Funded by the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy, the initiative supports a just energy transition in line with the EU’s Cohesion Policy and its Macro-Regional Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region. The call is open to projects in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, with a maximum of two pilot projects to be selected per country.
Each successful project will receive tailored technical assistance and financial support to establish or strengthen local renewable energy communities. The implementation will be divided into two phases: the first focused on community mobilisation and legal setup, and the second on capacity-building and, where feasible, small-scale infrastructure investments such as photovoltaic systems and smart meters.
The selection process is designed to ensure inclusivity, allowing applications from stakeholders at varying levels of readiness. A two-stage evaluation will promote broad participation and geographic balance.
The selected “lighthouse projects” are expected to foster cooperative energy models, reduce energy poverty, and encourage community ownership of the green transition, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to sustainable, grassroots energy development in the region.
The initiative highlights the added value of European Territorial Cooperation and the role of local actors in delivering the EU’s climate and energy goals.