UNOPS has focused on strengthening Serbia’s institutional and technical capacity for EU negotiations under Chapters 15 (Energy) and 21 (Trans-European Networks) so that Serbia advances toward EU membership with a focus on energy sustainability and regional integration. Under Chapter 15, the work addressed key priorities such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, infrastructure development and regulatory alignment. The goal has been to help Serbia meet critical benchmarks, including the finalization of the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) and full compliance with the EU’s Electricity Integration Package, while advancing energy security and decarbonization targets as outlined in its Energy Development Strategy for 2040–2050. Under Chapter 21, the work has focused on the integration of Serbia into EU trans-European networks and alignment with the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) standards.

UNOPS identified areas of interest for knowledge sharing, resulting in a tailored list of EU energy market topics. These included the structure and function of the EU Internal Electricity Market, the role of ACER, Contracts for Difference (CfD) for renewables, congestion management, flexibility procurement, virtual power plants, and protection for vulnerable energy consumers. Based on the beneficiary’s priorities, the K4R programme prepared and delivered briefing notes on selected subjects and organized several workshops and presentations. Highlights included a workshop on the EU’s rule-making process and the bidding zone review, a workshop on CfDs and market coupling mechanisms (SDAC and SIDC) and a presentation on the evolution of the EU electricity market

The K4R programme contributed to strengthening MoME’s understanding of complex EU energy market mechanisms and policy frameworks, which are crucial for meeting Serbia’s obligations under its EU accession process. The capacity-building activities offered MoME staff valuable insights into both the technical and institutional aspects of the EU energy system. The assignment marked an important step in equipping Serbia’s institutions with the knowledge necessary to navigate the EU integration process effectively

“I hope that what I have produced could help the administration of the Republic of Serbia better appreciate the way in which the EU governance works and improve the design of the instruments used to support the generation of electricity from renewable energy sources.” Partnerships Advisor for horizontal support for Chapters 15 and 21, UNOPS K4R Programme

The assignment supports SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy by enhancing energy efficiency, integrating renewable energy and aligning Serbia’s energy systems with EU standards to ensure a sustainable and secure energy future. The assignment also supports SDG 13: Climate Action by promoting decarbonization and renewable energy investments, helping Serbia mitigate climate change and adopt ambitious environmental goals