New ECRB Report signals a region increasingly ready for a successful renewables transition 

On Clean Energy Day, a new report shows how Energy Community regulatory reforms can help accelerate decarbonisation through renewables in Southeast and Eastern Europe

A report released today by the Energy Community Regulatory Board (ECRB) describes a region whose regulatory frameworks are increasingly evolving to support an EU-aligned energy transition. Renewable energy generation continues to rise across the Energy Community, driven by growing recognition that integration of renewable energy sources (RES) is essential not only to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and advance the clean energy transition, but also as a precondition for integration into the EU internal electricity market ahead of accession. Against this backdrop, the report maps key regulatory developments in 2025 related to renewable energy and system flexibility across Energy Community Contracting Parties, including trends in renewable generation, recent legislative advances, and progress in aligning national frameworks with the EU Renewable Energy Directive as adapted for the Energy Community. It also examines the role of regulatory authorities in shaping effective support schemes and highlights persistent challenges related to grid connection and access to networks. Two key regulatory framework developments stand out.

First, a decisive shift from traditional feed-in tariffs towards market-based incentive schemes for renewable energy reflects the Energy Community’s growing alignment with EU legislative standards. Notable developments include the expansion of competitive auction mechanisms, the rollout of self-consumption and energy community schemes, and the introduction of balancing responsibilities for RES producers. Together, these reforms are paving the way for deeper participation of renewables in modern electricity markets.  

Second, as market and investment signals increasingly rely on Guarantees of Origin (GOs) to demonstrate the renewable origin of electricity, an evolving regulatory framework is facilitating their uptake across the region. The report introduces a new dedicated chapter on Guarantees of Origin, examining certification systems, governance arrangements, registry infrastructure, and supplier disclosure requirements. These measures are central to improving market transparency, strengthening consumer trust, and supporting the development of functioning green electricity markets across the Energy Community. 

Finally, system flexibility is identified as a key priority, as growing penetration of renewable energy sources is placing increasing operational challenges on transmission and distribution system operators. The report highlights the need for robust regulatory frameworks that enable aggregation, energy storage, demand-side response, streamlined grid connections, and effective network management. Targeted reform recommendations are provided in line with European best practices to bolster the operational efficiency of both transmission and distribution systems in accommodating the dynamic nature of RES. 

Prepared with contributions from regulatory authorities across Contracting Parties, this publication reflects ECRB's commitment to fostering regulatory alignment and accelerating energy transition across the region. 

See the download link on the sidebar for the full report.