The Energy Community Secretariat 2026 Gas Storage Report says countries in Southeastern and Eastern Europe are strengthening natural gas security, with growing alignment to European Union energy security rules and storage requirements. The report attributes progress to continued efforts by governments covered by the Energy Community Treaty to secure adequate gas reserves ahead of each winter season. It also points to steps aimed at improving resilience during periods of market stress and supply disruptions.
According to the report, governments are working to reduce vulnerability to external shocks while maintaining stable energy supply across the region. The focus includes meeting seasonal preparedness needs and improving the ability to respond when markets face disruption. These measures are described as part of broader work under the Energy Community framework.
Storage-filling targets for Serbia and Ukraine
The report states that Serbia and Ukraine are the only contracting parties with underground gas storage facilities. Under their obligations, both countries must meet specific storage-filling targets tied to seasonal requirements. It says they surpassed their 2025 obligations and remained ahead of storage trajectories set for early 2026.
Serbia’s mandatory target is set at 90% of storage capacity, while Ukraine’s requirement is calculated at 35% of its average annual gas consumption. The report links Ukraine’s calculation to the size of its storage infrastructure. It also provides facility-level figures for Serbia’s Banatski Dvor, which reached 58% at the beginning of February and 44% by 1 May 2026.
The report adds that Ukraine exceeded its interim storage benchmark for the same period referenced for Serbia’s trajectory data. It presents this as part of performance against interim requirements leading into early 2026. No additional facility names or percentages for Ukraine are included in the provided figures.
Moldova and North Macedonia expand preparedness without domestic storage
The report highlights Moldova among countries without domestic underground storage facilities, describing it as a leading example of preparedness. Moldova has developed a dual reserve system combining emergency stocks for crisis situations with commercial inventories maintained under storage regulations. It says combined reserves exceeded one-fifth of annual gas demand.
For North Macedonia, the report says preparations have advanced through incorporation of EU storage legislation into national law and completion of key risk assessment procedures. It also notes that a planned arrangement for accessing storage capacity in neighboring Bulgaria has not yet become operational. The report says this limits North Macedonia’s access to regional storage flexibility.
Regulatory alignment and remaining gaps across regional markets
The report concludes that the region is gradually improving its ability to manage supply risks through stronger regulatory frameworks and increased storage preparedness. It also cites closer alignment with European energy security standards as part of the progress described in the 2026 Gas Storage Report. At the same time, it states that further work remains in several markets.
No additional country-specific measures beyond Serbia, Ukraine, Moldova, and North Macedonia are detailed in the provided material. The figures cited focus on storage obligations, interim benchmarks, and reserve structures relevant to winter readiness planning across the region. The report’s overall assessment is presented as gradual improvement rather than completion of all required steps.
