Political and Cultural Shift

Three recently adopted laws that regulate the energy field in a comprehensive way represent a significant advance in the green transition of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and in promoting environmentally sustainable technology

Like other countries in transition, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is confronted by the challenge of transitioning to a green economy and sustainable energy solutions. However, according to Vedran Lakić, minister of Energy, Mining and Industry of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, there are certain areas in which this country is making significant progress.

Our interviewee highlights the Federation’s recent adoption of a set of three new laws that provide detailed regulation of the energy field in FBiH: the Law on Energy and Regulation of Energy Activities; the Law on Electricity; and the Law on the Use of Renewable Energy Sources and Efficient Cogeneration. These three laws mark a significant advance in realising the green transition process in the country, both culturally and politically.

Firstly, the passing of the Law on Energy and Regulation of Energy Activities represents a deeply considered step in the management of energy policy in FBiH, establishing long-term targets and introducing protection mechanisms for vulnerable and protected energy consumers. This law likewise advances the regulatory framework for supervising and managing the energy sector, which is vital to ensuring market stability and sustainability within the scope of environmental protection.

A shortage of investment in renewables, a lack of infrastructure and the political will needed to implement required reforms are just some of the challenges we face

Secondly, the adoption of the Law on Electricity eases administrative procedures for the implementation of projects based on the use of renewables, while simultaneously introducing new categories of electricity market participants and establishing a framework for the development of electromobility. This isn’t a purely political decision, but rather also a cultural one that reflects FBiH/ BiH’s engagement in the fight against climate change and in the promotion of environmentally sustainable technology.

Thirdly, the Law on the Use of Renewable Energy Sources and Efficient Cogeneration stands out as a crucial instrument in promoting the decentralised generating of energy and encouraging citizens to become active participants in the energy transition process. This law enables citizens to become electricity prosumers, thereby providing economic benefits while at the same time contributing to environmental protection and local community development.

“Considering that these laws are harmonised with the EU acquis and build upon international agreements like the Paris Agreement, their adoption represents the FBiH’s cultural and political commitment to global goals of sustainable development and environmental protection,” says the FBiH Minister of Energy, Mining and Industry. “This action doesn’t only demonstrate the political will to adapt to modern requirements, but also demonstrates a cultural shift towards a sustainable way of life and economy, which will have positive long-term impacts for society, the economy and the environment.”

The passing of the Law on Energy and Regulation of Energy Activities in FBiH represents a deeply considered step in the management of the country’s energy policy

However, our interlocutor adds, it is important to note that challenges also exist in the transition to sustainable energy. Some include a shortage of investment in renewables, a lack of infrastructure and technological capacities, as well as a lack of the political will needed to implement required reforms. It is therefore important for the state and its partners to work continuously to identify and overcome these challenges in order to advance towards completing the green transition process.

Where do you identify the most significant need for cooperation with regional partners in achieving the goals of the EU Green Agenda for the Western Balkans?

― Cooperation with partners in the Western Balkans is extremely important when it comes to achieving the goals of the EU Green Agenda. There are a number of areas in which cooperation is essential to achieving sustainable development and environmental protection goals. One crucial area of cooperation is energy, where partners can associate in order to exchange knowledge, technology and resources with the aim of advancing renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency. It is likewise important to establish mechanisms for the joint planning and implementing of projects that contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change.

Additionally, cooperation is also essential in the domain of environmental protection, where partners can collaborate in preserving natural resources, managing waste, protecting biodiversity and reducing air and water pollution. Furthermore, it is important to establish mechanisms for dialogue and cooperation aimed at adopting policies and regulations that support sustainable development and environmental protection.

Viewed as a whole, cooperation with Western Balkan partners is the key to achieving the goals of the EU Green Agenda, as it enables the sharing of resources, knowhow and experience, as well as joint action in overcoming global environmental challenges. The principles of mutual respect, transparency and solidarity should form the foundations of this cooperation, to ensure that all partners benefit from joint efforts towards creating a more sustainable future.