Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – According to Admir Sahmanovic, Minister of Energy and Mining and International Secretary of the Bosniak Party Energy, cooperation can become one of the strongest pillars of the Western Balkans’ European integration.

“The Western Balkans can already make a significant contribution to Europe’s energy security, the development of renewable energy sources, and the construction of a more resilient and competitive Europe. That is why the time has come for stronger connections, joint projects, and partnerships that will benefit both the region and the EU,” Sahmanovic said at a roundtable organized by the European People’s Party (EPP).

Speaking about the challenges of the energy transition, he highlighted the importance of the fair implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), emphasizing that candidate countries must receive adequate support to successfully carry out decarbonization, preserve the competitiveness of their economies, and maintain economic growth.

Regarding energy security and the green transition, Sahmanovic stated that the energy sector could become one of the strongest drivers of the region’s European integration. In that context, he presented an initiative to establish a Western Balkans Energy Partnership within the EPP family, bringing together decision-makers, experts, investors, and relevant institutions to accelerate the green transition and strengthen Europe’s energy security.

He believes that the integration of the region into the European Union is a strategic interest not only for candidate countries but also for Europe.