Building Connected Energy Futures: EU4Energy Phase III Conference Highlights Interconnectors and Clean Energy Transition
Athens, Greece, 15 July 2026 – The Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER), within the framework of the EU-funded EU4Energy Phase III project, organised the High-Level Conference on Connecting Energy Futures: Interconnectors and Renewable Energy Integration under the Connectivity Agenda in Athens, Greece, bringing together representatives of ministries, regulatory authorities, EU institutions and international organisations from the European Union and Eastern Partnership countries.
Hosted by the Regulatory Authority for Energy, Waste and Water of Greece (RAAEY), the conference focused on the strategic importance of cross-border interconnectors for energy security, regional cooperation, electricity market integration and renewable energy deployment across the Eastern Partnership region.
The conference showcased Greece’s experience in developing electricity and gas interconnector projects and integrating renewable energy into national and regional energy systems. Participants also looked at EU regulatory and policy frameworks, including network codes, infrastructure planning mechanisms and Projects of Energy Community Interest (PECI).
“Through EU4Energy Phase III, CEER remains committed to supporting dialogue, knowledge exchange and practical cooperation between EU and Eastern Partnership energy institutions. Events like this provide an important platform for sharing experience and strengthening regional partnerships in support of a more interconnected and sustainable energy future,” noted Annegret Groebel, President of CEER.
"Cross-border energy infrastructure is the backbone of energy market integration. The Projects of Energy Community Interest framework enables us to identify the investments that matter most for security of supply, market integration and decarbonisation across the Energy Community. By sharing experiences with our partners help translate these shared objectives into practical progress,” stated Davor Bajs, Electricity Infrastructure Expert from Energy Community Secretariat, in his keynote address.
Frederick Ritter, energy analyst of the International Energy Agency (IEA), reiterated the importance of the interconnectors: “Cross-border power integration is a critical tool for strengthening regional energy security, but it can also help increase the share of variable renewables and help countries meet their energy transition goals. The IEA also believes that enhancing cross-border cooperation also increases regional resilience, building the frameworks not only for future cooperation but also effective emergency response. Continuing regional dialogues on the subject reinforces knowledge sharing and leads to stronger policymaking.”
The second day of the conference included a technical site visit to the Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO), where participants received practical insights into Greece’s electricity transmission infrastructure and interconnection development.
The conference forms part of the broader EU4Energy Phase III efforts to promote clean energy transition, regional cooperation and enhanced connectivity of the Eastern Partnership countries under the Connectivity Agenda, while supporting their gradual integration into the European energy market.
The EU4Energy Phase III is funded by the European Union with a total budget of €6 million and is implemented by CEER. The project aims to contribute to the accelerated transition to interconnected, secure, sustainable, and low-emission energy systems in the Eastern Partnership Countries.
