Decentralised distribution grids key to Western Balkan transition

Bankwatch (Davor Pehchevski) calls on financiers such as the EU and development banks to prioritise investments in distribution grid improvements across the Western Balkan countries.

• Main announcement: Bankwatch urges EU and development banks to prioritise investment in distribution grid improvements (not just generation) to enable a decentralised, prosumer-driven electricity system; article authored by Davor Pehchevski and published 23 April 2026.
• Background/details: Transmission system operators estimate around a third of grid connection requests can be accommodated; distribution losses cited by country: Bosnia and Herzegovina <10%, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia 11–14%, Albania ~20%, Kosovo >20%; article identifies outdated metering and billing (non-technical losses) and underinvestment in distribution grids as core barriers. This is an analytical/opinion piece calling for targeted financing rather than announcing a specific committed project or funding allocation.