EU

Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia and Hungary are among more than a dozen EU countries opposing plans to favour electricity through taxation and common rules for grid charges. Governments want flexibility to set tariffs and taxes around domestic conditions.

Depleted European gas inventories could force buyers to compete with Asia for LNG during the 2027 refill season, keeping summer prices and procurement costs elevated. Stocks below roughly 20% at the end of March would increase the risk.

Europe entered the winter withdrawal season with storage about 74% full, or roughly 842 TWh. The smaller buffer leaves less room to absorb prolonged cold, weak wind generation or disrupted LNG deliveries.

Low-carbon electricity from Western Balkan renewable projects will not automatically qualify for actual-emissions treatment under the EU’s CBAM. The Energy Community Secretariat modelled €8.9 million in opportunity costs for a 130 MW wind project over six months if it had to sell locally instead of accessing higher-priced EU markets.

EU electricity importers must declare embedded emissions and surrender CBAM certificates for power imported in 2026 by 30 September 2027. Certificate purchases begin in February 2027, making emissions evidence and the allocation of costs relevant to electricity contracts.

The Energy Community Secretariat called for closer coordination between Western Balkan electricity market integration and the EU’s carbon border rules. It warned that poorly aligned arrangements could discourage renewable investment and divide EU and non-EU electricity markets.