The post Second World War years were marked by a pressing need for a common approach in energy issues. This took form in the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community in 1951. Also, the establishment of the Energy Community is an expression of this need. In 2005, after years of turbulences, the Western Balkan region and the European Union agreed to work together towards one common goal.

In 2009, the Ministerial Council took a decision on the first enlargement of the Energy Community. With the accession of Moldova and Ukraine, the geographical reference of Western Balkan became obsolete. As of Feb 2011, the Treaty rather aims at implementating EU energy policy in non-EU countries.

Whilst the European Union is one of the Parties to the Treaty, it also acts as a key donor and as  the permanent Vice-President of the Energy Community. Its bilateral relations with the nine Contracting Parties vary largely - these are either organized  in the context of enlargement process, or, that of the European Neigbourhood Policy.  

CONTENT

This section throws light on the co-operation between the EU and the nine Contracting Parties. Here the focus will be put on the findings of EU progress reports in the area of energy policy.

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