(AGENPARL) – mar 24 settembre 2024 PR-24-05
PRESS RELEASE
High-level Conference on Advancing Connectivity: Fostering
Interconnection Capacities and EU Integration of the
Eastern Partnership
Rome, 24 September 2024 – The Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER), on behalf of the
European Commission’s EU4Energy Programme – “Promoting the Clean Energy Transition in the
Eastern Partnership Countries” – and in cooperation with the Balkan Energy School is welcoming
the High-Level Conference on Advancing Connectivity: Fostering Interconnection Capacities and EU
Integration of the Eastern Partnership. The conference will take place on 24-25 September 2024 in
Rome, Italy.
The event aims to support the European Union’s commitment to enhancing connectivity within and
beyond its borders. It will emphasise the importance and potential benefits of cross-border
connection capacities for regional and EU integration, with a special focus on the Eastern
Partnership. On the second day, participants will have the opportunity to visit the National Control
Center of the Italian Transmission System Operator, TERNA S.p.A., where they will be introduced
to the technical aspects of the Italy-Montenegro underwater electricity cable operation. Additionally,
the conference will foster dialogue among EU institutions, policymakers, regulatory authorities, and
experts to facilitate the sharing of best practices and lessons learned.
Severin Strohal, Deputy Head of Unit C1 – Georgia, Moldova, Economic & Investment Plan of the
Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations of the European Commission
highlights the importance of the energy security, and showcases the key initiatives of the EU
implemented to improve energy security the Eastern Partnership and Western Balkan countries.
“By promoting the development of new interconnectors and ensuring their effective use with existing
and new regulatory tools, we, as regulators, play a key role in enhancing the flexibility and security
of our energy systems, while also reducing costs for consumers.This aligns with our mission to
ensure a competitive, secure and sustainable energy market across Europe, by fostering
cooperation and integration for the benefit of all energy users”, states Ms. Annegret Groebel,
President of CEER.
“By working together and sharing the experience regulators can help identify and address
bottlenecks in the transmission and distribution of energy, as well as develop common rules and
standards for cross-border trade”, says Clara Poletti Chair of the Board of Regulators at the Agency
for Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) and Board Member of ARERA, the Italian energy
national regulatory authority.
“It is our pleasure to have the opportunity of co-organising today’s event and sharing experience.
Infact, it is in the Balkan Energy School mission to promote know-how and best practices exchange.
I hope participants will gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with
cross-border infrastructure development. by examining successful projects, such as the ItalyMontenegro Undersea Power Interconnector”, mentions Stefano Saglia, Chairperson of the Balkan
Energy School and Board Member of ARERA, the Italian energy national regulatory authority.
The EU4Energy initiative is funded by the European Union with a total budget of €8.5 million and is
jointly implemented by the Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER), the International Energy
Agency (IEA) and the Energy Community Secretariat (EnCS). The programme highlights the
importance of collaboration and cooperation between the EU, implementing partners and beneficiary
institutions in carrying out reforms and bringing concrete benefits to citizens.
Media Contacts:
Council of
European Energy
Regulators (CEER)
Energy Community
Secretariat (EnCS)
International Energy Balkan Energy School
Agency (IEA)
Alba Glass
Erëza Vela
Ms Julie Puech
Phone
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For this event contact ARERA
press office