In Week 20 of 2025, electricity prices increased across most Southeast European (SEE) countries due to rising gas and CO2 prices, along with steady electricity demand. Croatia and Greece recorded the highest price hikes, while Türkiye and Italy saw price declines. Prices remained above 100 euros per megawatt-hour at the beginning of the week and dropped below 70 euros by Sunday, May 18.
In Central Europe, electricity prices showed mixed trends, generally staying above 60 euros per megawatt-hour. Slovenia was the most expensive market at 98.57 euros, while France had the lowest price at 23.10 euros, despite a sharp week-on-week increase. Prices in the region were driven by higher gas prices.
In southern and southeastern Europe, prices exceeded 90 euros per megawatt-hour in most countries except Türkiye and Hungary. The Italian market averaged 95.80 euros, while Türkiye had the lowest at 52.76 euros. Electricity demand across the SEE region was stable, with a slight increase of 0.16 percent compared to the previous week. Bulgaria, Serbia, Greece, and Türkiye saw increased demand, while Hungary, Italy, and Romania experienced declines.
Renewable electricity generation in the SEE region rose by 1.9 percent in Week 20, reaching over 3,010 gigawatt-hours. Wind power increased by 3 percent, with Hungary and Croatia posting the largest gains. Solar output also rose slightly, although Bulgaria and Greece saw declines. Hydropower output fell by 11.03 percent, with the sharpest decreases in Bulgaria and Croatia. Hungary, Romania, and Serbia, on the other hand, reported increases in hydropower generation.
Thermal power generation declined by nearly 15 percent across the SEE region. Coal-fired generation rose slightly, while gas-fired generation dropped significantly. Türkiye increased coal generation but reduced gas usage. Bulgaria and Italy both recorded decreases in both coal and gas power production.
Cross-border electricity trade in the SEE region dropped, with net imports falling by over 14 percent. Türkiye, Hungary, Italy, and Croatia all imported less electricity, while Romania increased its imports. Greece shifted from being a net exporter to a net importer.
