Towards EU Green Standards – Energy Transformation in North Macedonia and Kosovo

On 18–19 September 2025, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) together with the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies held the regional conference “Towards EU Green Standards – Energy Transformation in North Macedonia and Kosovo” at Hotel Afa in Prishtina. The conference brought together policymakers, government representatives, youth leaders, academics, and civil society actors to explore the Western Balkans’ path toward sustainable energy transition and integration with EU environmental standards.
The first day began with registration and introductory remarks by Granit Tërnava, Program Manager at KAS, and George Dimakos, Project Officer at the Wilfried Martens Centre. The opening panel, Energy Transition in the Western Balkans – Where Do We Stand?, featured Arberesha Isufi, Head of Energy Policy Division at the Ministry of Economy of Kosovo, and Marko Minov, Renewable Energy Associate at the Ministry of Energy of North Macedonia. Moderated by Matea Nikolovska, the session assessed current regional progress, legal frameworks, and strategic goals for advancing renewable energy.
After lunch, the discussion shifted toward youth and civil society with the session EU and Us: Youth, Civil Society and Green Innovation. Speakers Agron Demi, Executive Director of the Atlas Institute, and Dr. Antigoni Zafeirakou from Aristotle University in Thessaloniki addressed the importance of empowering young people, fostering innovation and increasing public awareness of environmental challenges. The session was moderated by Zara Gjakova, KAS Scholar from Kosovo.
Following a coffee break, the final session of the day focused on Financing the Green Transition – EU Support and National Funding Mechanisms. Speakers Burim Ejupi, Executive Director of INDEP, and Maria Karasani, M.S., from Aristotle University, presented EU funding tools, national programs, and investment opportunities supporting local and regional green transformation. The discussion was moderated by Liza Rexhepi, KAS Scholar from Kosovo. 
The second day opened with the panel Aligning National Policies with the EU Green Deal, featuring Members of Parliament Besian Mustafa (Kosovo) and Toni Jarevski (North Macedonia). Moderated by Anja Ilikj, the session examined legislative harmonization, political priorities and the challenges of adapting national frameworks to EU green directives.
After a coffee break, the final thematic session addressed the Sustainable Development Goals – the level of fulfilment / Relations between SDG and the Green Deal, presented by Fitim Mulolli, SDG consultant with UNDP at the Kosovo Assembly. The session highlighted linkages between global sustainability commitments and EU climate policies.
The conference concluded with a summary session and distribution of certificates. The event successfully provided a collaborative platform for dialogue on green transformation and regional cooperation on the road toward EU integration.