Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH) has embarked on a transformative journey in its energy sector as both Republika Srpska (RS) and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBH) initiated comprehensive amendments of the energy legislative framework in an effort to reshape the country’s energy sector landscape and align the legislation with Energy Community regulations, EU acquis, and international standards and best practices.

Renewable energy is a key priority within the EU due to its goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. This has intensified following the energy crisis experienced in 2021 and 2022. Against the backdrop of the post-crisis environment, and driven by the REPowerEU initiative, Croatia is adopting crucial legislation – the Rules on the organization of the wholesale electricity markets (Rules).

The Romanian Energy Regulator (ANRE) recently published a proposal for a new procedure regarding the passporting in Romania of energy or natural gas supply and trading licenses issued in other EU countries, based on ANRE’s confirmatory decisions (New Passporting Procedure).

On December 29, 2023, Law no.429/2023 on amendments of the Law on natural gas no.108/2018 entered into force. The amendment contains some provisions regarding the creation and maintenance of natural gas stocks. Thus, the government will undertake the necessary measures to ensure the use, until November 1 of each year, of the natural gas storage capacity in the storage facilities of other countries that are part of the Energy Community and of the member states of the European Union.

In mid-2023, the Bulgarian Parliament finally formed a steady Government. The Parliament also introduced predictability in the regulatory environment for renewables along with several legislative developments.

As the year 2024 unfolds, Greece stands as a shining beacon of opportunity in the energy sector, particularly in the realm of renewable energy. The Greek energy market has undergone a profound transformation in recent years, embracing a diverse and sustainable energy mix that positions the country as an attractive investment destination.

As always in Slovakia, political changes are accompanied by personnel changes. Thus, having a new government and new deputies to the parliament has initiated the change of the key personnel, including the head of the Regulatory Office for Network Industries (URSO) and of the Slovak electricity transmission system, Plc. (SEPS).

Poland stands out as an EU member state with extremely high reliance on power generated from coal and lignite. In 2023, 63% of its electricity was produced from these resources. Still, this marks the lowest-ever share of coal and lignite-fired electricity in Poland’s annual production thanks to the rapid growth of wind and solar plants.

On February 14, 2024, the Hungarian Energy and Public Utility Regulatory Authority (MEKH) approved the Network Development Plan 2023 submitted as a result of the coordinated work of the Hungarian TSO (transmission system operator – MAVIR Zrt.) and distribution network operators.

With the introduction of a recent omnibus legislative proposition presented to the Grand National Assembly on January 29, 2024, a significant legislative shift will occur in Turkiye’s renewable energy production sector.

Despite martial law, Ukraine has significantly advanced its renewable energy agenda over the last year. Ukraine’s trajectory in the renewable energy sector is not merely a response to challenges but a proactive and strategic approach to shaping a greener and more sustainable future.

Class Actions Act in force: a game-changer in consumer claims enforcement against businesses in the Czech Republic?

In recent years, growing energy demands and environmental concerns have brought nuclear energy back into focus. Its importance lies in producing large amounts of energy while emitting fewer greenhouse gases than fossil fuels. As countries seek sustainable energy solutions, many are turning to nuclear power. However, despite its benefits, nuclear energy faces legal barriers in several countries, including Australia, Austria, Denmark, and Serbia.

On April 24, 2024, the European Parliament adopted a resolution for a directive aimed at improving working conditions on platforms. This is a significant step towards addressing the needs of platform workers, such as 'Bolt' and 'Wolt' couriers, throughout the European Union.

Serbian Minister of Finance issued the Rulebook on interest rates that are considered to be in line with the arm’s length principle for the year 2024 (Rulebook).

On 1 May 2024, the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine's Order No.136 as of 1 April 2024, came into effect, cancelling Order No.206 as of 15 June 2022. This change has significant implications for the renewable energy sector in Ukraine, as detailed below.

The European Commission has imposed a hefty EUR 337.5 million fine on Mondelēz International, Inc., the world-famous producer of Oreo, Milka and Toblerone, for restricting cross-border trade of chocolate, biscuits, and coffee products among EU Member States, in violation of EU competition regulations.

The development of the hydrogen economy has been recognised as one of the priorities for the implementation of the European Green Deal, the main goal of which is to achieve climate neutrality in Europe by 2050. Poland is Europe's third-largest producer of hydrogen; however, its production is done exclusively with fossil fuels for companies' own needs. The regulations currently in force in Poland do not provide adequate conditions for the effective implementation of the strategy for the development of the green (renewable) hydrogen market.