From 6 to 8 May 2025, RACVIAC – Centre for Security Cooperation organized in the Republic of Croatia the “Energy and Environmental Security Seminar”, bringing together representatives from RACVIAC Members and Observers and other participants as well as senior and mid-level expert speakers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republic of Croatia, Republic of North Macedonia and Romania. Against the backdrop of multiple energy and environmental challenges, the Seminar served as a platform for sharing knowledge, fostering dialogue, and strengthening regional cooperation in South-Eastern Europe.
Over the past decade, RACVIAC has gained substantial experience in organizing events focusing on energy and environmental security.
RACVIAC has hosted numerous seminars and workshops establishing itself as a platform for discussions on regional approach to energy security, the regional need for diversification, challenges of EU’s neighbouring South-Eastern countries regarding regional energy security, strengthening synergies under the new energy paradigm, transition to green energy and interconnections between SEE countries. These efforts have been closely aligned with the European Union’s strategic priorities on energy transition, sustainability, and regional cooperation, reinforcing the shared commitment to a secure, resilient, and interconnected energy future.
The event was officially launched on 7 May 2025 by the Director of RACVIAC, Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie, who emphasized the critical importance of energy security for the region, particularly in the light of the ongoing geopolitical shifts and the lessons learned from the recent energy crisis. He underlined that “the dynamics of events on the European soil and beyond do not allow us to stop addressing the topics of energy and environmental security,” highlighting the need for resilience, proactive management, regional cooperation, and diversification of energy sources to ensure a sustainable and secure energy future. Ambassador Grigorie stressed that Russian aggression against Ukraine and the war continue to impact many spheres, with a special emphasis on energy security. Although Europe has made a significant step towards reducing dependence on Russia for energy supplies, additional efforts are still needed to identify and develop alternative sources of supply. He also underlined RACVIAC long-standing commitment to promoting regional dialogue on energy and environmental security, built during a decade of relevant events and initiatives of the Centre.
The first session, titled “Energy Security in South-Eastern Europe,” delved into the key challenges the region faces in ensuring continuous access to sufficient energy resources. Given the South-Eastern European region’s heavy reliance on external suppliers, this session explored how geopolitical factors and shifting energy markets influence regional energy security. It focused on the importance of diversifying energy sources and establishing robust supply chains to mitigate potential disruptions caused by political or commercial disputes. Speakers, including Professor Dragiša Jurišić from the Faculty of Security Sciences in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Goran Nikolovski, Gas & Oil expert from the Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources of North Macedonia, and Ms. Sonja Štiglić, a representative from JANAF, discussed various approaches to securing accessible and safe energy supplies in SEE. A key highlight was the role of JANAF Plc., which plays a pivotal role in supplying oil and petroleum products to Croatia and neighbouring countries. The discussion centered around how JANAF’s operations have adapted to recent changes in energy supply dynamics, and how geopolitical developments in neighbouring countries impact the company’s business projections. The session also addressed the evolving EU goals regarding renewable energy sources, particularly in the light of the region’s increasing energy needs and environmental challenges.
The second session, titled “Energy Needs and the Preservation of the Environment,” focused on the complex relationship between global market developments, energy security, and environmental preservation. As South-Eastern European countries strive to meet their growing energy needs, balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability is a key challenge. The session explored how to adjust energy requirements while minimizing environmental impact, in line with EU climate goals. Speakers, including Professor Timur-Vasile Chis from the Oil and Gas University in Ploiești, Romania, and Mihai Toader-Pasti, an expert in sustainable development from Romania, shared their insights on responsible energy management. They discussed how various aspects, such as energy demands, security challenges, and environmental requirements, can be prioritized within a broader, cross-border policy framework.
The final session of the day delved into “Energy Geopolitics,” with Professors Mihael Mišo Mudrić and Kristijan Kotarski from the University of Zagreb, offering comprehensive analyses of global energy markets, strategic energy management, and the evolution of EU energy policy.
The Seminar concluded on May 8, 2025 with a working visit to the JANAF Sisak Terminal, a key facility in Croatia’s energy infrastructure.
