Background and policy development
In 2022, the Secretariat carried out a comprehensive assessment of permitting and planning systems across Contracting Parties. Individual country assessments were complemented by a regional overview, recommendations, and best practice.
The study analysis each Contracting Party's compliance with the EIA Directive, compiling information from different sources related to EIA, spatial planning and grid connections of energy projects. To create a comprehensive assessment, EU experiences were used. Stakeholder questionnaire-derived inputs were the critical source of data for identifying obstacles and good practices in permitting procedures.
Based on study findings, the Secretariat developed Policy Guidelines on Permit-Granting and Planning of Energy Projects to ensure legal compliance, accelerate renewable deployment, and empower Contracting Parties to:
- simplify and shorten administrative procedures
- improve coordination between institutions
- strengthen spatial planning of renewable projects
- integrate environmental safeguards (SEA/EIA)
- enhance public participation
- address grid connection challenges
In 2024, the Ministerial Council adopted Recommendations urging Contracting Parties to align their permitting and planning frameworks with the revised Renewable Energy Directive (EU) 2023/2413 (RED III), calling for:
- faster, time-bound permitting procedures
- improved spatial mapping of renewable potential
- establishment of one-stop-shop systems
- stronger institutional coordination
- early integration of environmental safeguards and stakeholder engagement
The ministers tasked the Secretariat to support the implementation and to annually report on progress.
Partnerships and projects
Open Society Foundation - Western Balkans (OSF-WB)
The OSF-WB supports the Centre for Renewables Acceleration by providing tailored technical assistance to Western Balkan Contracting Parties to accelerate renewable energy deployment.
The partnership focuses on advancing inclusive planning and streamlined permitting, while embedding renewable energy development within the broader energy transition—addressing decarbonisation, energy security, and just transition objectives.
Through a country-specific approach, the project tackles regulatory and administrative bottlenecks, supports the development of Renewable Acceleration Areas (RAAs), strengthens stakeholder engagement, and promotes alignment with EU standards—enabling a faster, more sustainable, and inclusive rollout of renewables across the region.
European Climate Foundation (ECF)
The European Climate Foundation supports the Secretariat in advancing renewable energy deployment in Ukraine, with a focus on enabling a resilient and accelerated green transition in the context of recovery and reconstruction.
The partnership combines policy, regulatory and technical assistance to support the development of a modern renewable energy framework—advancing strategic planning, streamlined permitting and alignment with EU acquis.
Through targeted support in the five pilot regions in Ukraine, the project contributes to the identification and implementation of Renewable Acceleration Areas (RAAs), strengthens institutional capacities at national and regional level, and promotes integrated approaches that balance rapid deployment with environmental protection and stakeholder engagement—supporting a sustainable, secure, and resilient energy transition across Ukraine’s regions.
The Nature Conservancy (TNC)
The Secretariat partners with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to advance renewable energy deployment in line with environmental safeguards. The collaboration combines spatial planning and biodiversity expertise with policy support, delivering practical tools to identify suitable sites and minimise environmental conflicts. TNC also provides a delegated expert to the Secretariat.
RAAs Operational Blueprint
Developed with TNC, the Operational Blueprint provides a step-by-step methodology for identifying priority areas for renewable energy while minimising environmental impacts. It supports:
- mapping low-conflict areas
- applying smart siting approaches
- integrating environmental safeguards
Permitting Protocol: One-Stop-Shop
The Permitting Protocol supports Contracting Parties in streamlining renewable energy permitting in line with RED III. It provides guidance on:
- one-stop-shop models
- simplified procedures
- time-bound permitting