In Ukraine, where the energy infrastructure has been largely destroyed by Russian attacks, electricity is largely provided with the support of the European Union. However, there are complaints from Eastern Europe and especially the Balkan countries that they are being left alone by the EU in this regard. While the Balkan countries largely shoulder the burden of energy support due to geographical proximity, it is stated that Greece is about to take a new step in this regard. According to the news in the Kathimerini newspaper, the significant increase in electricity prices first observed in Southeastern Europe last July may become permanent. The news states that since the increase cannot be eliminated with state incentives, an attempt has been initiated to form a common front with the Balkan countries that are members of the European Union.
BULGARIA AND ROMANIA
The news includes the following information:Western European countries appear to have shifted the burden of providing energy to Ukraine, whose energy production and infrastructure have been hit by Russia, to countries in Southeastern Europe. “Something is wrong. The EU must see this and intervene,” one government official said. It is reported that he is taking action to form a “Balkan front” with the governments of Bulgaria and Romania. They will demand that energy flows from Western Europe to Ukraine be strengthened or that Balkan countries be financed to support affected businesses and consumers.
JOINT DEMANDS
The huge price differences that are now more noticeable in Europe are pitting the governments of Athens, Sofia and Bucharest against their citizens. Among the demands that the three countries have in common is an investigation into whether the limited flow from Western Europe to Ukraine is really due to the capacity of the connections. It is stated that the findings of independent authorities investigating how the algorithms that regulate the flow of energy from the cheapest to the most expensive work can be used to regulate energy shipments.
THEY WROTE A LETTER
While it was announced that the energy front, which includes Greece, Romania and Bulgaria, is a continuation of the joint industrial front established with the first wave of price increases in July, it was also revealed that a joint letter was written to the EU Energy Directorate General and Competition Directorate General. In the letter, the Industrial Consumer Associations of Greece, Romania and Bulgaria brought up the huge price differences in the Southeastern European markets and the damages resulting from this and the unfair competition problems it caused. The letter, sent on July 17, was forwarded to the European Agency for Cooperation of Regulators (ACER) for review on August 2. Following the EU’s response letter, it was learned that three industry associations sent a second letter of objection on August 29.
WINTER WORRY
As the autumn season approaches, concerns about high electricity prices have increased in the Balkan region. In September, the subsidy for residential electricity prices was set at 1.4 cents. There are fears that the energy crisis could spread to the wider region as Ukraine draws more energy from neighbouring countries. It is also stated that if demand increases further, the European Union will have to intervene.
Meanwhile, the largest Russian attack on Ukraine’s electrical infrastructure took place last month. The Ukrainian air force said that almost all parts of the country, from the eastern front-line regions of Kharkiv and Dnipro to the southern port city of Odessa and the capital Kiev, were targeted by missiles and drones. Electricity and internet connections were completely cut off.
(email protected)
