Ibrahimović: When it comes to the energy crisis, Montenegro intends to protect vulnerable population groups

When it comes to the energy crisis, Montenegro intends to protect vulnerable population groups to the extent that is realistic and possible, announced the Minister of Capital Investments, Ervin Ibrahimović, adding that the rise in energy prices does not inspire optimism and causes concern.

"The intentions of Brussels are encouraging, as are the messages that the countries of the region will have the support of the European Union (EU) when we talk about mitigating the consequences of the energy crisis," said Ibrahimović at the working meeting of the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Oliver Varhelji, with the ministers responsible for the energy sector of the Western Balkan countries. .

The Ministry announced that the working meeting was held in an online format, and the focus of the discussion was on the energy situation in the countries of the region, the dominant challenges faced by the national energy systems, as well as the measures proposed and implemented by the governments of the Western Balkan countries.

Ibrahimović informed Varhelji and colleagues from the region about the activities that Montenegro is implementing as part of medium-term measures to overcome the crisis, stressing that it is very necessary to provide greater support to the development of production projects from renewable energy sources, especially when we consider the potential in the field of hydro, wind and solar energy sources that the country has.

The situation that has befallen everyone and the uncertainty in the energy system, as stated, indicate that we must speed up the dynamics and create a favorable investment environment, in order to send a message to foreign investors that circumstances and times are changing, and therefore investment opportunities and chances .

At the meeting, it was noted that the challenge for the countries of the Western Balkans, when it comes to the energy crisis, is the same as for the EU countries, and in some cases even stronger.

"With a clear attitude that no one can overcome or mitigate this kind of crisis and the unstable period that follows by acting independently, the message is that with joint work and activities we can more easily overcome all the challenges that will inevitably follow," the statement added.

In light of such circumstances, the EU is ready to provide support to the countries of the Western Balkans, in order to protect their national energy systems and citizens to the greatest extent possible from the consequences of the crisis that will affect all countries without exception.

Ministers of the region used the opportunity to present the problems they face when it comes to energy supply and production, as well as the current measures and activities they are undertaking.

"Every country in the Western Balkans has certain differences and specificities when it comes to energy production and distribution, i.e. energy prices on the market," the announcement concludes.