The Sound of Economics

Montenegro’s Power Connection to the EU

In this episode of the Sound of Economics, Montenegro’s Minister of Energy and Mining, Admir Shachmanović, outlines the country’s strategy to become a regional renewable energy hub and integrate its electricity market with the EU ahead of formal accession. He highlights the existing 600 MW undersea cable to Italy, plans to double capacity to 1.2 GW, and a suite of public‑private renewable projects—including 250 MW of solar slated to attract €400‑500 million in foreign investment—and new government‑to‑government agreements with France, the UAE, and the United States. Bruegel’s Western Balkans expert Nino Vajanović explains how market coupling will boost energy security, lower prices and volatility, and unlock the Balkans’ abundant solar and wind potential, while Reuven Stubbe discusses the impact of the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism on regional electricity pricing and investment incentives.