Energy Community advances cross-border infrastructure projects to deepen energy market integration
The second Energy Community PECI list, to be adopted in December, is expected to unlock investments in energy infrastructure and support the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure, as the region advances toward a decarbonised and integrated energy future.
The Energy Community Secretariat is leading the process to select a second list of Projects of Energy Community Interest (PECI), helping the region address infrastructure bottlenecks and adapt its grids to rising renewable energy demand. Building on the first PECI list adopted in 2024, the ongoing selection process will identify projects involving multiple Energy Community Contracting Parties or delivering clear cross-border benefits. The final list is scheduled for adoption by the Energy Community Ministerial Council in December 2026.
The strong level of interest shown in the second PECI selection process highlights the growing pipeline of strategically important cross-border projects in the region. A total of 27 nominated infrastructure proposals — including 16 electricity and 11 gas-related projects — were discussed in Vienna last week by two expert groups covering electricity and gases. Bringing together around 60 representatives from ministries, regulatory authorities, transmission system operators, and EU institutions, the meeting focused on identifying which projects should move forward to the next stage of assessment. Selected projects will undergo a detailed cost-benefit analysis and further evaluation against criteria aligned with the adapted TEN-E Regulation, the EU framework guiding strategic cross-border energy infrastructure projects. Those demonstrating strong cross-border relevance and economic viability will be proposed for inclusion in the list to be adopted this December.
Projects selected under the PECI framework benefit from enhanced credibility, faster permitting procedures, and improved access to EU financial support. The first PECI list, adopted at the end of 2024, already shows tangible results. Six electricity infrastructure projects were chosen from 17 nominations, including five overhead transmission lines and one energy storage project. One project secured direct financing from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), while two received European Commission support in 2025 through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF). These include the reconfiguration of the 400 kV grid and a new Albania–Kosovo* interconnection, as well as the closing of the 400 kV Albanian internal ring — a major upgrade that strengthens grid reliability, improves cross-border electricity flows, and supports the integration of renewable energy.
Throughout the PECI selection process, the Energy Community Secretariat remains committed to coordinating project assessment and supporting promoters in exploring EU funding and international financing opportunities, helping bring priority infrastructure projects closer to implementation.