The 23rd meeting of the Thematic Steering Group on Energy, TSG2, of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region, EUSAIR, was held online on 20 April 2026. Institutional and technical representatives discussed energy priorities, macro-regional cooperation, and implementation of the new Action Plan amid current European geopolitical challenges within a evolving policy and security landscape.

The meeting was coordinated by the Pillar Coordinators from Italy and North Macedonia. It was attended by the permanent Members of TSG2 from nine EUSAIR countries, representatives of the European Commission (DG REGIO), the IPA ADRION Managing Authority, and the EUSAIR governance support projects.

Within the framework of the implementation of the new EUSAIR Action Plan, TSG members discussed operational priorities related to energy security, decarbonisation and macro-regional cooperation, in a context marked by geopolitical instability and energy market volatility. The European Commission stressed the urgency of strengthening coordination at European level to reduce energy demand, stabilise markets and accelerate the green transition, while ensuring resilience and security of supply.

The IPA ADRION Managing Authority provided an update on programme activities supporting EUSAIR energy priorities, including upcoming capitalisation initiatives and initial reflections on the 2028–2034 programming period.

Key topics addressed during the meeting included:

• the update of the Energy Master Plan, a strategic document aimed at guiding the macro-region towards decarbonisation and energy integration objectives, with long-term scenarios up to 2050. Discussions highlighted challenges related to energy security, continued dependence on fossil fuels, and the need to balance decarbonisation goals with system resilience and affordability. Permanent Members are invited to submit comments on the revised sections by the end of July, with a consolidated draft expected for the next autumn meeting;
• the presentation of the Rapid Assessment of Renewable Energy Potential, a study providing an overview of renewable energy potential in the Adriatic-Ionian Region, development barriers and opportunities for cross-border cooperation;
• EUSAIR support to the EU enlargement process, through targeted activities aimed at assisting candidate countries in aligning with the EU energy acquis, particularly in the areas of energy poverty, just transition and climate planning;
• the preparation of two Issue Papers focusing respectively on artificial intelligence in energy systems and hydrogen development in the Western Balkans.

The Coordinators also highlighted the importance of greater involvement of younger generations in macro-regional decision-making processes. In this context, the proposal for an Intergenerational Pact for a Sustainable and Cohesive Energy Future was discussed, with the active contribution of the EUSAIR Youth Council representative for Pillar 2 Energy.

Updates were also presented on the three EUSAIR governance support projects — Facility Point, Stakeholders Point (StEP) and SP4EUSAIR — as well as on the 2026 Work Programme of TSG2 Energy. Among upcoming events, the Coordinators presented the proposal for the energy session of the 11th EUSAIR Annual Forum (Skopje, North Macedonia, 18–20 May 2026), focusing on energy security in the Adriatic-Ionian Region, which was welcomed by the Permanent Members.

The discussions confirmed the central role of macro-regional cooperation in addressing shared challenges related to the energy transition, security of supply and the development of resilient and innovative energy systems.

The next meeting of TSG2 Energy is scheduled to take place in Belgrade in autumn 2026, in a hybrid format, within the framework of the Italian Presidency of EUSAIR.

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