Cross-border electricity trade became more active in Southeast Europe during Week 24, with regional net imports rising by 121.0 GWh, or 10.3%, to 1.30 TWh. The increase did not reflect a uniform shortage. It showed a more fragmented regional system, where Italy absorbed more external electricity while several Balkan markets improved their export positions.
Italy remained the dominant import centre. Italian net imports increased by 130.9 GWh, or 13.8%, to 1.08 TWh. This came alongside a 6.7% rise in demand to 5.12 TWh and a weekly average day-ahead price of €123.17/MWh, the highest in the SEE comparison. Italy’s price premium continued to pull power from surrounding markets.
Other markets moved differently. Bulgaria significantly expanded net exports, with exports rising by 41.3 GWh, or 103.2%. Greece more than doubled its net export position, reducing net imports from 169.7 GWh to 61.9 GWh. Türkiye also strengthened its export balance, with net exports increasing 53.1%, supported by strong renewable growth.
Hungary remained a net importer but sharply reduced imports by 108.5 GWh, or 60.3%. Croatia’s net imports declined 8.9%, while Serbia’s import position remained unchanged. Romania recorded a modest 5.3% rise in net imports.
The regional trade picture therefore points to Italy as the principal commercial absorber of SEE surplus electricity. When renewable output rises in Türkiye and parts of the Balkans, export availability increases, but the value of that surplus depends heavily on available transfer capacity and Italian demand.
For traders, Week 24 reinforced the importance of cross-border spreads. The region is no longer defined only by national generation balances. It is increasingly shaped by the interaction between renewable output, Italian import demand, Hungarian premium pricing and Balkan export windows.
