The 4th Balkan Solar Summit Concludes
Key question of this year’s Summit: Can Bosnia and Herzegovina obtain an exemption for electricity in relation to CBAM? Today, the fourth Balkan Solar Summit concluded at the Banski Dvor, with a full hall on both days of the event, audience comments, panelists providing real answers, and a clearly defined path we will follow until the next edition. As expected, the greatest attention was drawn by the panel titled “CBAM AND ETS – A NEW REALITY FOR EXPORTERS”, because as of 1 January 2026 the regulation has officially changed. The CBAM-focused panel featured a very dynamic and substantive discussion on the key challenges this mechanism brings for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the countries of the region. Special attention was given to the possibility of an exemption for electricity, with panelists presenting differing views on whether the countries of the region—including Bosnia and Herzegovina—will manage to meet the prescribed conditions to obtain it. “It was concluded that Bosnia and Herzegovina can expect an intensification of activities in the coming period to establish the necessary regulatory and institutional framework, as well as the continuation of dialogue with the European Commission and the Energy Community regarding CBAM and the possibilities of an exemption for electricity,” the panelists emphasized. A major discussion was also sparked by the panel “DATA CENTERS AND ELECTRIC VEHICLES”. The moderator, Aljoša Pleić, stressed that data centers and electric vehicles are no longer “new consumption,” but rather a new industrial infrastructure that requires 24/7 clean, stable, and competitive power supply—thereby changing the rules of the game for renewables in the region. “The biggest opportunity has been recognized in ‘packaging’ solutions: large renewable-energy projects paired with batteries and contracts for 24/7 green energy, whereby new consumption can be turned into an acceleration of building green megawatts and decarbonization, instead of a new pressure and risk for the system,” he said. After the panel “HOW SUSTAINABILITY IS BECOMING THE GREATEST BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY IN ENERGY”, moderator Danijela Isailović concluded—following the discussion—that investors across all countries in the region face problems that slow down the energy transition, while also blocking numerous jobs for contractors and equipment distributors, delaying new green megawatts on the grid; and thereby delaying tax revenues and many other benefits for the local community. “CBAM as an obligation in the region is not being taken seriously enough, and all of this is bringing industry into business difficulties, while green energy remains an untapped business opportunity,” she emphasized. CBAM remains a topic that the Balkan Solar Summit will continue to address in the period ahead. Moderator Prof. Dr. Nikola Rajaković, after the panel “FLEXIBLE CONNECTION AGREEMENTS”, concluded: “Balkan Solar Summit carefully and thoroughly reviewed almost all key trends in modern energy, with an emphasis on renewable energy technologies—especially solar. After the discussion, we noted that the energy transition is being slowed in part by geopolitical developments, but that the strategic commitment to decarbonization remains a long-term goal.” The Summit Director, Milena Mijatović, thanked all participants for their trust and stated: “Once again, we showed how important it is to bring together all the game changers of the region’s energy transition in one place, because only conversation and the exchange of experience deliver the solutions the market needs—now more than ever. I’m glad the word about the Summit has reached international guests as well, and we already have topics for the next Summit.” See how these two days unfolded on the Summit’s social media channels. All information about this year’s topics and speakers can be found at www.solarsummit.ba, where, in the coming days, individual conclusions from each panel will also be published.
The 4th Balkan Solar Summit Officially Opened in Banja Luka!
For the fourth time, the Balkan Solar Summit has demonstrated just how important the topic of energy transition is to the market—not only in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but across the entire region. This year once again, the ceremonial hall of Banski Dvor was filled to capacity, and the opening itself featured Roby the robot, who addressed the topic of artificial intelligence and pointed out that, despite all of his knowledge, he still would not be able to organize such an event on his own. “We are not afraid of the arrival of artificial intelligence, because this gathering itself is proof that networking, conversation, and the exchange of ideas still come first on the path of development, especially within the topics addressed by the Balkan Solar Summit,” said Milena Mijatović, CEO of the Summit, at the opening of the 4th Balkan Solar Summit. Those in attendance were also addressed by ministers of the Government of Republika Srpska, Zlatan Klokić and Petar Đokić, as well as Vedran Lakić, a minister in the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. More than 400 experts, industry leaders, investors, and key stakeholders are attending the fourth Balkan Solar Summit with the goal of creating concrete solutions aligned with regional and European standards, positioning the Balkan Solar Summit as the central platform for dialogue on energy transition in the region. “The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina has been a proud patron of the Balkan Solar Summit from the very beginning, in coordination and cooperation with the relevant ministries from Republika Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. I am pleased to point out that even in the very first years we recognized the importance of this initiative and its potential to become a key regional platform for dialogue on energy transition, confirming that Banja Luka and Republika Srpska are regional centers for discussion on these important issues,” emphasized Staša Košarac, Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, as he officially declared the Balkan Solar Summit open. The most prominent figures from the energy sector are attending the Balkan Solar Summit, all with the aim of connecting and potentially reaching joint agreements on possible investments. Because while the Balkan Solar Summit is taking place, Banja Luka becomes the business hub of the energy transition. You can view the Balkan Solar Summit program at solarsummit.ba. The Summit is organized under the high patronage of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Ministry for European Integration and International Cooperation of the Government of Republika Srpska, the Ministry of Energy and Mining of Republika Srpska, as well as Elnos Group, with the support of other companies and organizations.
Participant Accreditation for the Balkan Solar Summit Begins
Participant accreditation for the Balkan Solar Summit 2026 officially begins on Wednesday, February 25, in Banja Luka. All registered participants can collect their accreditations at the Accreditation Center – Banski dvor. Accreditation Center working hours: We kindly ask all participants to collect their accreditations on time in order to avoid crowds and ensure a smooth start to the program. The Balkan Solar Summit brings together leading representatives of the energy sector, investors, institutions, and companies from the region and across Europe, and represents the most important regional business gathering dedicated to the energy transition.
Balkan Solar Summit 2026: Energy Transition in Practice
Balkan Solar Summit 2026, to be held on February 26 and 27 in Banja Luka, comes at a time when the region’s energy sector is under greater pressure than ever before. Issues of storage, grids, regulatory frameworks, and financing are no longer long-term topics — today they directly determine project value, company competitiveness, and the pace of the energy transition. The Summit program focuses on what is currently slowing down or accelerating the development of the renewable energy market in the region. Particular emphasis is placed on energy aggregation and storage as key mechanisms for system stability and the integration of renewables, as well as on market flexibility, which is becoming the new currency of the energy sector. One of the central segments addresses how ESG and sustainability are shifting from a regulatory obligation into a concrete business opportunity. Through practical examples, panelists will discuss how companies can measure sustainability, where real value is created, and how it translates into a competitive advantage. The growth in electricity consumption driven by data centers and e-mobility raises new questions around grid planning and investment priorities. “Balkan Solar Summit is important because, in the era of the green transition, no one wins alone — we must talk, connect, and develop business. This is where investors, the profession, and policymakers meet, and where decisions are made from which new green megawatts are born.Elnos Group stands behind undertakings that have already changed the energy map of the region and Europe, and our participation in green energy projects has long since exceeded two gigawatts. We always strive for new breakthroughs, which is why we naturally support events like this. For everyone who wants a faster and more efficient transition of the region, this summit is a reliable starting point for partnerships and concrete next steps,” emphasized Branko Torbica, Vice President of Elnos Group, sponsor of this year’s Balkan Solar Summit. Special attention is also given to the topics of CBAM and ETS, which are becoming a tangible cost and reputational risk for exporters in the region. Instead of general interpretations, the panels provide a clear overview of obligations, deadlines, and the steps companies must take to remain competitive on the European market. One of the most sensitive topics — grid connection — is addressed through a discussion on flexible contracts and new models that can accelerate project delivery and reduce congestion. The focus is on solutions that are already in use or ready for implementation. The final part of the program is dedicated to financing the green transition, offering an overview of new models, PPA structures, investor criteria, and the role of banks and funds in turning projects into bankable investments. Balkan Solar Summit 2026 is a reliable meeting place for investors, major market players, and experts in the green transition. Will you be joining us as well? Accreditations are available on the official Summit website: www.solarsummit.ba.
The 3rd Balkan Solar Summit was officially opened in Banja Luka!
The importance of renewable energy for the entire region is proven by the third Balkan Solar Summit, which began today at the Banski Dvor, once again breaking the attendance record. “Our vision from the start was clear: to bring together business leaders and industry visionaries with the goal of shaping the energy sustainability of the Balkans together. Today, I see that we have succeeded,” said Milena Mijatović, CEO of the Summit, at the opening of the 3rd Balkan Solar Summit. The third Balkan Solar Summit is attended by a large number of participants from 15 countries who have come to Banja Luka to draw conclusions on important topics for the region's energy sector, such as CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism), the green transition, as well as exchanging experiences on large energy projects, and the stability and security of the energy system during the transition. “The Republic of Srpska is currently at an advantage compared to the Federation of BiH, primarily when it comes to the regulatory framework, that is, the laws. One of the challenging issues is CBAM, which could burden our economic entities. We are aware of this and are working with the governments of the Republic of Srpska and the Federation of BiH on this matter. There is already an initiative in the European Parliament to delay CBAM until 2027,” stated Staša Košarac, Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, while declaring the Balkan Solar Summit officially opened. The most important figures in the energy sector are attending the Balkan Solar Summit with the goal of connecting and potentially reaching joint agreements on possible investments. Because while the Balkan Solar Summit is ongoing, Banja Luka becomes the business hub of the region! You can view the program of the Balkan Solar Summit at solarsummit.ba. The summit is organized under the high patronage of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Ministry for European Integration and International Cooperation of the Government of the Republic of Srpska, the Ministry of Energy and Mining of RS, as well as the Elnos Group and the support of other companies and organizations.
Tomorrow marks the start of the Balkan Solar Summit in Banja Luka!
Banja Luka is becoming the energy center of the region! Tomorrow, February 27th, the third Balkan Solar Summit will kick off at the Banski Dvor, with a program that will once again position Banja Luka as the energy hub of the region. Organized under the high patronage of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Ministry for European Integration and International Cooperation of the Government of the Republic of Srpska, and the Ministry of Energy and Mining of the Republic of Srpska, the summit will host participants from over 15 countries, further demonstrating the strong position that the Balkan Solar Summit has built in the field of renewable energy sources. “This year, the Balkan Solar Summit brings a strong program filled with current topics that are crucial for the energy future of the region. We can expect dynamic panel discussions on the challenges of the green transition, the impact of CBAM regulation on the decarbonization process, experiences in implementing large energy projects, and the latest technologies in energy storage. Special attention has been given to practical insights, inspiring speakers, and networking opportunities that lead to new business prospects,” said Milena Mijatović, CEO of the Balkan Solar Summit. A new feature of this year’s Balkan Solar Summit is free sessions for representatives of local communities, focusing on decarbonization, waste management, clean energy production, and opportunities for financing energy efficiency. In addition to keynote speeches, panels, and B2B meetings, the organizers have ensured that all attendees will leave Banja Luka with excellent impressions, even on the topic of entertainment, with the EFT afterparty featuring the phenomenal SoulFingers, organized for accredited participants tomorrow, February 27th. Registrations are still open until midnight today, and the number of available registrations is limited. The full program and registration details can be found at solarsummit.ba.
Moderator’s Statement: Green transformation of companies and corporations in the region – challenges and next steps
The green transformation of companies and corporations in the region is becoming a key factor in competitiveness and long-term sustainable growth. Through presentations and panel discussions, participants will have the opportunity to learn how leading companies are approaching this challenge, what strategies they are implementing to reduce their environmental footprint, and how they are adapting to new regulations and market expectations. The obstacles they face will also be discussed, as well as specific next steps towards more sustainable business, which can be valuable for anyone who wants to steer their organization towards a greener future. The panel will also touch on the topic of CO2 certification. CO2 certification is a key topic in the fight against climate change and sustainable business. Through presentations at the conference, participants could learn how this process works, what are the benefits for companies and the community, and how certification contributes to reducing the carbon footprint. In addition, understanding how CO2 certificates become a competitive advantage in the global market can inspire companies to switch to more sustainable practices and become leaders in the energy transition.
SOULFINGERS LIVE @ BALKAN SOLAR SUMMIT
The parties at the Balkan Solar Summit are unforgettable—and talked about long after they’re over. It’s an energy that renews itself year after year! The EFT Party, part of the Balkan Solar Summit, on February 27, will bring rhythm, energy, and an outstanding musical experience after the lectures and panels! SOULFINGERS – masters of soul and funk – will take the stage at Gatsby for an exclusive concert available only to accredited summit participants. We’ll enjoy premium Tikveš wines and unforgettable hits with a rhythm that moves you and recharges your energy! 📍 February 27 | Gatsby, Banja Luka🎟 Entry for accredited participants only