Organisation

• overseeing, assessing and reviewing a proper transposition and implementation by the Contracting Parties of their obligations under the Energy Community Treaty related to the electricity market, electricity infrastructure, security of electricity supply and statistics acquis, including the preparation of the related reports; this includes assessment of the Contracting Parties progress made in implementing reforms on which the support from the financial institutions is conditioned.
• assisting Energy Community Contracting Parties in the transposition and implementation of the acquis within its scope of responsibility, including support in drafting and reviewing relevant policy and regulatory documents, guidelines, recommendations and conducting dedicated studies.
• accelerating the electricity market integration of the Contracting Parties at regional and European level, including monitoring and reporting on progress made. In this context, the Electricity Unit is actively cooperating with relevant regional and European bodies, initiatives, such as CESEC-E. 
• facilitating regional cooperation and coordination among electricity sector stakeholders, including through the support to dedicated stakeholders’ groups such as Security of Supply Coordination Group Sub-group for electricity, the Cybersecurity Coordination Group, the Energy Community distribution system operators (ECDSO-E), the Electricity Generation Companies of the Energy Community (GenEnC).
• preparing and implementing the process of identifying Projects of Energy Community lnterests (PECls) and any other electricity infrastructure related projects. Experts from the unit provide support to the WBIF in reviewing the applications for grants related to infrastructure and generation projects.
• implementing technical assistance projects aimed at supporting implementation of the electricity acquis and coordinates with IFIs on identifying stakeholders’ needs for financial assistance.
• collecting, processing, analysing, and presenting data and indicators relevant to the electricity market functioning, consolidating statistics, and preparing related reports and briefings on the electricity market functioning. 
• providing guidance and facilitating implementation of the acquis in the domain of energy statistics, applying the best practice in EU and internationally agreed practice and procedures.
• providing content-wise organisation to dedicated stakeholders’ events including the Electricity Forum, workshops on various topics related to the practical aspects of the implementation of acquis;
• providing support to capacity building of Contracting Parties and facilitating exchange of knowledge with EU Member States stakeholders.
• contributing to the enforcement of the Energy Community electricity-related acquis through the dispute settlement procedure under the Treaty; For this purposes, the unit leads investigations on electricity matters, related to developments on national and regional level.
   

The Gas Unit within the Energy Community Secretariat is instrumental in ensuring, monitoring, and aiding Contracting Parties in achieving compliance with the EU gas and oil stocks acquis.

• The Gas unit is essential in establishing uniform regulatory and technical standards in all operations of the gas chain supply in the Energy Community. Its primary goal is to facilitate cross-border gas flows, integrate gas markets, and deliver high gas and oil supply security, paving the way for a unified European gas market. The Gas Unit is significant in supporting the Contracting Parties in ensuring compliance with Energy Community gas and oil stocks law, aligning Contracting Parties' gas markets with the EU regulations to foster transparency, competition, and resilience. Its mission supports the Secretariat’s overarching goals of energy integration, security, and sustainable development across the region. Unit promotes competitive gas markets, fosters reforms, and cross-border projects that improve energy access and affordability for the Energy Community gas customers.
• The Gas Unit focuses on enhancing energy security by supporting Contracting Parties in ensuring that oil stocks and storage targets are reached, gas and oil supply sources are diversified, and gas emergency and preventive response plans are in place, inter alia by formulating the Secretariat’s opinions and decisions. Reducing supply disruption risks in gas and oil is at the heart of these efforts.
• In alignment with the Energy Community decarbonization goals, the Gas unit advances the Contracting Parties’ efforts to manage and reduce methane emissions, promote and increase the utilisation of biogases (biomethane), and establish fundamentals for developing hydrogen infrastructure, paving the way for a cleaner economy.
• Moreover, the Gas Unit fosters regional collaboration through initiatives like SEEGAS and CESEC, strengthening ties between the Contracting Parties and EU Member States, enabling joint projects, and coordinating regulatory activities for integrated gas market development.

The Decarbonisation & Governance Unit leads the Energy Community Secretariat’s work on decarbonisation and governance, supporting the Contracting Parties in transposing and implementing the EU energy and climate acquis. Its mission is to guide the region’s transition towards climate neutrality by 2050, in line with the Energy Community’s Decarbonisation Roadmap, 2030 energy and climate targets and fundamentals of just transition.

Key Areas of Work:

• Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action

The Unit oversees the implementation of the adapted Governance Regulation, guiding the development, assessment, and execution of National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs), Long-Term Strategies (LTSs), and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). It ensures that reporting obligations are met and assists Contracting Parties with legal transposition. The Unit plays a crucial role in helping Contracting Parties set and achieve their 2030 targets while preparing for climate neutrality. Through regional cooperation, it fosters alignment with the UNFCCC process, supporting the just transition and sustainable finance efforts within the region.

• NECP Coordination and Reporting

The Unit provides essential support for drafting and ensuring the quality of NECPs and Integrated Progress Reports (IPRs), while also monitoring the implementation of NECPs and preparing assessments as required by Article 29 of the Governance Regulation. Partnership with the European Environment Agency (EEA) strengthens the monitoring process, particularly in enhancing greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories and improving NECP reporting.

• Renewable Energy

The Unit supports the transposition and implementation of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) across the Contracting Parties. This includes assistance with establishing market-based support schemes, facilitating the issuance and mutual recognition of guarantees of origin, and promoting self-consumption and energy communities. In addition, the Unit works to integrate renewable energy into the industry and buildings sectors, supports the introduction of sustainability criteria for biofuels and biomass fuels, and fosters cooperation mechanisms to accelerate the deployment of renewables and help achieve the 2030 targets in a cost-effective and efficient manner.

• Energy Efficiency

The Unit supports the implementation of the EU’s Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and Regulations in the field of energy labelling. Key tasks include promoting building renovations, decarbonising heating and cooling systems, and advancing demand-side management. The Unit assists Contracting Parties in transposing these directives and achieving energy efficiency targets by integrating energy efficiency into national and regional climate frameworks, focusing on sectors like building renovation, heating, and cooling.

• MRVA (Monitoring, Reporting, Verification, and Accreditation)

The Unit supports the establishment of competent authorities and verification systems in the Contracting Parties, ensuring that monitoring and permitting frameworks align with standards applicable to the EU ETS. The promotion of digital tools and standardized procedures enhances overall efficiency, streamlining the reporting process and ensuring compliance with EU regulations.

• Carbon Pricing

The Unit supports Contracting Parties in introduction of  carbon pricing mechanisms, in view of the accession to the EU Emissions Trading System at latest upon EU accession.  Focus is put on policy design, stakeholder consultations, and ensures that Contracting Parties are prepared for future integration into the EU market.

• Monitoring and Progress Assessment:

The Unit contributes to the Secretariat’s Implementation Report and produces the CBAM Readiness Report, which monitors potential risks, market impacts, and alignment of Contracting Parties with the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). It also prepares progress reports under the Governance Regulation (Article 29), assesses NECP implementation, and supports corrective actions to close compliance gaps.

• Expert Groups

The Unit facilitates the work of three key regional platforms—the Technical Working Group on Climate, the Renewable Energy Coordination Group, and the Energy Efficiency Coordination Group—strengthening cooperation among Contracting Parties. Through these groups, it provides technical assistance, promotes peer learning, and ensures alignment with EU and international climate and energy objectives.

The Legal Unit of the Energy Community Secretariat plays a pivotal role in ensuring compliance by the Contracting Parties with their obligations under the Treaty. Its core responsibilities include support to Contracting Parties to transpose and implement Energy Community law as well as dispute resolution.
 

Main Areas of Work:

• Support and Legislative Review:
  The Legal Unit plays a significant role in supporting the Contracting Parties in ensuring compliance with Energy Community law. This includes assisting with the review of legislation and contracts, as well as monitoring their implementation. The Secretariat will continue to assist in organizing renewable energy auctions and ensuring compliance with the legal frameworks needed for the promotion of clean energy.
   
• Enforcement of the Acquis and Dispute Resolution:
  The Legal Unit oversees the enforcement of the acquis under Article 90 of the Treaty through a structured dispute settlement mechanism. This mechanism involves the Secretariat, the Permanent High-Level Group, and the Ministerial Council. The Legal Unit’s work in dispute resolution has been integral to the Energy Community’s operations, addressing non-compliance and complaints from citizens, market participants, investors, and civil society organizations. Mediation, particularly in state-investor disputes, has become essential for resolving conflicts that could otherwise hinder reforms and negatively impact the investment climate.

The Legal Unit’s work is essential for upholding the rule of law within the Energy Community, ensuring that all Contracting Parties adhere to the agreed legal and regulatory frameworks and comply with the obligations they have signed up for, thus fostering an environment of fair competition and sustainable energy development.

• Driving Operational Excellence and Strategic Resource Management
  The Administrative and Finance Unit (AFU) serves as a cornerstone of the Energy Community, ensuring the sound, transparent, and strategic use of its resources. AFU is committed to upholding the highest efficiency, accountability, and service excellence standards. It safeguards the integrity of the governance framework by continuously maintaining, refining, and enforcing its rules and procedures, while delivering timely, high-quality, and value-driven support to internal and external stakeholders.
   

• Empowering Governance Through Efficiency, Integrity, and Innovation
  AFU provides critical programmatic support and policy leadership across key operational domains, including:

  • Budget and financial management

  • Human resources

  • Procurement and contracting

  • Event coordination and travel services

  • Facilities and asset management

  • Information and communication technology

  • Cybersecurity and risk management

  • Sustainable eco-management

  • Internal control

AFU’s integrated and proactive approach enables the Energy Community to operate effectively, adapt to evolving challenges, and deliver on its mandate and commitments with confidence and credibility.

The ECRB Unit of the Energy Community Secretariat serves a central role in supporting and coordinating the activities of the Energy Community Regulatory Board (ECRB) and its Working Groups (Electricity, Gas, Customers and Retail Markets, and REMIT) and task forces (PECI). Its responsibilities encompass a broad range of administrative, logistical, and substantive tasks, crucial for the functioning of the ECRB in accordance with the Energy Community acquis.

Key tasks and responsibilities of the ECRB Unit include:

• ECRB Organization and Support: The Unit is responsible for the organization and substantive support of ECRB Plenary and Working Group meetings. In close collaboration with the ECRB President and Vice-Presidency, it draws up the ECRB annual work program, prepares and presents to the ECRB an annual review of the progress achieved, drafts the agenda and minutes of the ECRB meetings, and coordinates preparation of documentation. The Unit also assists with the preparation and review of the ECRB legal documents, acts and reports, provides updates on events, activities, and key initiatives of the Energy Community institutions, and facilitates cooperation with partner regulatory institutions.
• Coordination of ECRB Workplan activities: The ECRB Unit collaborates with and supports Working Group Chairs and Task Force Leaders to prepare and finalize reports, questionnaires, and analyses embedded in the ECRB workplans. This includes coordination of and expert contributions to the deliverables stemming from the Energy Community acquis, such as wholesale and retail market monitoring reports, consumer protection and empowerment reviews, and assessments of numerous key aspects of regulatory frameworks (e.g., implementation of network codes in electricity and gas, transmission & distribution tariffs, active consumers and flexibility, REMIT enforcement & monitoring, renewables integration).
• Regulatory Capacity Building and Best Practices Sharing: The ECRB Unit plays a pivotal role in supporting the ECRB's mission of sharing regulatory knowledge and experience and harmonizing regulatory rules across borders. This includes coordinating closely with ACER on regulatory processes for the implementation of the Electricity Integration Package and contributing to ACER Market Monitoring Reports. Furthermore, the Unit facilitates workshops with CEER and MEDREG and assists in organizing knowledge-building sessions with ACER and EU NRAs, thereby enhancing the regulatory capacity of the Contracting Parties through shared expertise and aligned approaches.
• Facilitating and Monitoring Regulatory Compliance with the Energy Community Acquis: The ECRB Unit contributes to the implementation of the key EU energy legislation within the Energy Community. This involves preparation for integration of the new acquis implemented in the EU, such as EU REMIT framework, facilitation of the process of the Electricity Integration Package transposition, and monitoring the progress in institutional frameworks in Contracting Parties. In addition, the Unit assesses the compliance of regulatory frameworks with the acquis, such as the institutional independence of NRAs.  

In essence, the ECRB Unit acts as the backbone for the ECRB's operations, ensuring smooth coordination, effective communication, and the timely execution of its strategic objectives and tasks related to energy market integration and regulatory harmonization.

The Project Management Unit (PMU) within the Energy Community Secretariat coordinates and oversees high-impact energy projects funded by international donors such as the EU, GIZ, ECF, UK, UNDP etc. The Unit plays a crucial role in advancing energy reforms, sustainability, and security in the Energy Community Contracting Parties, assisting these countries in aligning their energy sectors with EU standards and climate goals.

• Project Implementation
  Leads implementation of strategic projects, supporting energy policy development across the Energy Community region.
• Facilitating Energy Reforms
  Targeted assistance to Contracting Parties in adopting and implementing EU-aligned energy reforms and infrastructure priorities.
• Monitoring & Reporting
  Tracks project progress, ensures compliance with objectives, and prepares reports for donors and stakeholders.
• Capacity Building
  Supports knowledge transfer and institutional strengthening through training, workshops, and technical assistance.
• Administrative Support
  Provides logistical, financial, and contractual support to ensure smooth execution of projects and initiatives.

The PMU also oversees the Secretariat’s regional offices in Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine, providing support to ensure legal obligations are met across renewable energy, electricity and gas markets, energy efficiency, and climate change. Through its comprehensive management approach—combining event coordination, consultancy procurement, and donor reporting—the PMU ensures the successful implementation of these vital initiatives, driving progress in energy infrastructure and market alignment with EU standards.

The Ukraine Support unit within the Secretariat is the core team implementing the Ukraine Energy Support Fund.

The unit, working closely with the Administrative and Finance Unit,  ensures that the Secretariat discharges of its duties as the fiduciary of the Fund and acts as an intermediary between the donors and the Ukrainian authorities. In this capacity, the unit also manages the Ray of Hope project.

Among others, responsibilities of the unit include:

• Donor relations
• Compliance review of requests
• Oversight of the procurement activities
• Internal controls
• Contract management
• Tracking and verification
• Reporting and audit

 Additionally, the unit serves an internal coordination role within the Secretariat regarding its Ukraine war related activities and engages with international partners and cooperation formats assisting Ukraine’s war effort in the energy sector.