Energy Regulators advance gas market integration and decarbonisation in South East and Eastern Europe 

The Energy Community Regulatory Board (ECRB) Gas Working Group closed September with a strong focus on advancing regional gas market integration and preparing for the clean energy transition. Across a week of high-level meetings, regulators from Energy Community Contracting Parties and the EU addressed both the immediate fallout of the Russia phase-out and the long-term shift towards integrated, decarbonised energy systems. 

Responding to new geopolitical realities

Under the European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulator's (ACER’s) Gas Regional Initiative–South South-East, regulators met on 23 September to confront the consequences of Russia’s phase-out and to keep energy supplies stable and affordable for citizens even under geopolitical strain. They tackled challenges around shifting gas flows, evolving gas quality standards and wholesale market developments. A site visit to the Central European Gas Hub provided a first-hand look at how markets are adapting to these changes. 

Building a clean energy future

With energy security and climate goals at the centre of the Energy Community’s aspirations for gas market integration with the EU, regulators put the spotlight on biomethane, hydrogen and renewable gases as cornerstones of tomorrow’s energy system. On 24 September, Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER), ECRB and Mediterranean Energy Regulators (MEDREG) joined forces for the workshop Hydrogen in Action: Regulation, Decarbonisation and Cross-Border Exchange, uniting regulators from the EU, Mediterranean and Energy Community with industry leaders to explore hydrogen’s role in the transition. The conversation continued on 26 September at the 64th ECRB Gas Working Group, where ACER shared experience on hydrogen as regulators looked ahead to decarbonising gas markets.  

Strengthening regulatory frameworks and cooperation for competitive markets and secure supply 

On September 26, the 64th ECRB Gas Working Group focused on stronger regulatory frameworks for market integration, turning its attention to bundling capacity at transmission network interconnection points — a system that streamlines cross-border gas trade by offering capacity on both sides of a pipeline as one product, as required under the Network Code on Capacity Allocation. 

The Energy Community Regulatory Board Gas Working Group remains committed to strengthening cooperation, advancing the gas market integration of the Energy Community Contracting Parties with the EU, and driving the transition towards cleaner energy systems. By tackling immediate supply challenges and laying the groundwork for future decarbonisation, regulators are working to ensure secure, competitive and sustainable energy for citizens across South East and Eastern Europe.