Western Balkans will be laggards in coal phase-out

Significance

Even though the region is heavily dependent on highly polluting fossil fuel installations, coal phase-out plans in the region are weak or non-existent. What is more, declarative pledges, even when they are present, are rarely matched by concerted policy action.

Impacts

• Coal is likely to remain a key part of the energy mix in Serbia, Bosnia-Hercegovina and Kosovo for at least a decade.
• The region’s low electricity tariffs and lack of carbon pricing will not survive the EU’s adoption of a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.
• Phasing out coal would reduce preventable deaths and reduce pressure on healthcare systems and budgets.