Description:

The goal of this research unit is to advocate for qualitative reform in the field of Energy by way of thorough research and analysis. Considering energy and its provision are crucial factors in the sustainable development of the Balkanss, there exists a necessity to revise national and regional energy policies and strategies. Reform can reinvigorate the macroeconomic revival of Serbia and the wider region and advance economic growth by increasing energy efficiency whilst decreasing negative impacts on the environment. Adequate infrastructure for the generation, transfer and distribution of energy is a fundamental factor in achieving viable economic growth in Serbia during the accession process. Serbia is already a member of the Energy Community of South East Europe(ECSEE) and as such has an obligation to fulfill all the conditions this entails in order to satisfy EU admission criteria. Considering these facts and building upon previous analyses, research and engagement produced by EMinS emphasizing the importance of alignment with EU energy standards, this research unit concentrates on acquiring the material requirements for EU accession in its policy proposals. 

Publications:

Serbia’s accession to the European Union – importance of material requirements in the energy sector

Author: Aleksandar Kovacevic

Belgrade, September 2013

Material conditions in the energy sector in Serbia’s accession to the European Union are the key determinant for the Accession of Serbia to the European Union. They connect the process of Accession of Serbia to the European Union with an improvement of living conditions and achievement of basic rights for the population. Implementation of the material requirements in the energy sector proves the readiness and capability of the public administration work in the public interest. Actually, faster and more complete implementation of these material requirements is in the best interest of the majority of the Serbian population, as well as the population of the neighbouring countries, some of which are members of the European Union. Fulfillment of these conditions is requirements would be necessary even if they were not envisaged in the process of Accession of Serbia to the European Union. This text describes material requirements where the implementation has already been agreed on, and it also explains the importance of implementation of these requirements for the accession process, for greater employment and economic development. Implementation of material requirements is a measurable category, and the impact of implementation of these requirements may also be measured in respect of the quality of life and basic human rights. The future of the Serbian population, in terms of the economy and all other aspects, depends on the way of implementing the agreed material liabilities. The text includes tables with a summary of material liabilities and cross-line mutual inter-connections as well as corresponding recommendations regarding the fulfillment of such liabilities.

The study is avilable in English

South Stream: Business Deal of the Century or Lawsuit of the Century?

Author: Vladimir Medovic

Format: Research report

Belgrade, Jun 2014

Announced as one of the most important construction endeavor expected to provide additional volumes of Russian gas to the European Union, the South Stream project threatens to grow into a major international dispute. Six member states of the EU and Serbia, as a member of the Energy Community, entered into a bilateral international agreements with Russia, dropping out of sight that some of the provisions of these agreements are at variance with the rules and regulations of the EU and the Energy Community. This created conditions for the emergence of international legal dispute between the European Union and Russia, which escalated under the circumstances caused by the international crisis in Ukraine. Caught in the dispute between the two global powers, Serbia found itself in a precarious legal situation, pressed by conflicting liabilities under the Treaty of the Energy Community, and obligations under the international agreement with Russia. Based on legal analysis of the problems related to the construction of the South Stream pipeline, the aim of this study  is to demonstrate how this came about, what are the possible outcomes and what are the consequences and prospects for the realization of this undoubtedly important project. 

The Research Report will be available in English soon