Energy Community's Oil Sector Must Reform to Remain Secure, Say Leaders at Oil Forum 

Energy leaders from across Southeast and Eastern Europe underlined today that reforms and deeper cooperation are essential to secure oil supplies, cut emissions, and prepare the region for coupling with the EU's energy markets. 

Belgrade, 30 September 2025 — Meeting at the 17th Energy Community Oil Forum in Belgrade, representatives of the European Commission, the Energy Community Secretariat, Contracting Parties, international organisations and industry stakeholders stressed the need to strengthen strategic reserves and emergency preparedness. Under the EU Oil Stocks Directive — which Energy Community Contracting Parties are expected to transpose into their national laws — governments must hold emergency reserves equal to at least 90 days of demand. Yet most are still falling short, leaving the region exposed to supply shocks at a time of heightened geopolitical turbulence, from retaliatory strikes on the Druzhba oil pipeline to the continuing fallout of the war in Ukraine. 

Only two out of nine of the Energy Community’s Contracting Parties have made significant progress in securing emergency oil stocks. Significant progress, however, has been observed in Ukraine and Montenegro. Both successfully transposed the primary and most secondary legislation on oil stocks during 2024/2025, an achievement that enhances their emergency preparedness and aligns their frameworks with EU requirements. 

To avoid a fragmented response to future supply shocks, experts called for stronger regulatory frameworks, deeper regional cooperation, and greater private sector engagement as part of a long-term strategy to strengthen energy resilience and align with EU standards. In this sense, experiences shared by Estonia underscored the value of robust institutions and regional cooperation in ensuring such resilience. 

"Strengthening oil security is a strategic step toward future EU integration. The progress made by Ukraine and Montenegro demonstrates that alignment with EU rules is possible when there is political will and the right institutional frameworks,” affirmed  Artur Lorkowski, Director of the Energy Community Secretariat. "Now is the time for all Contracting Parties to build on this momentum, reinforcing legislation, improving institutions, and embracing digital tools that modernise the sector and prepare it for integration with the EU's energy markets.” 

Security is only part of the challenge ahead.  Participants highlighted the importance of reducing emissions, adopting cleaner technologies, and introducing digital tools such as real-time monitoring and stockpile management systems. These measures not only enhance resilience but also demonstrate the region’s commitment to a more secure, integrated, and future-ready energy system. 

Both the  European Commission and the Energy Community Secretariat pledged to continue supporting Contracting Parties in building secure, sustainable oil systems that advance both energy security and climate goals. 

On behalf of the Energy Community Secretariat, Director Artur Lorkowski extended his sincere appreciation to Adrian Jasimi, who has led the organisation of the Oil Forum for 17 years. As this year marks his final Forum in this role, participants acknowledged his tireless dedication, deep expertise, and pivotal role in shaping the Forum into a key platform for advancing regional cooperation and oil sector reform.