Countries in Southeast Europe (SEE) are facing rising energy and climate security risks exacerbated by the Russian invasion in Ukraine. The region’s historical lack of diversification options for Russian oil and gas, the slow pace of the energy transition, and the more acute energy poverty issues have made the region most vulnerable to the energy crisis. To address its impacts, SEE governments need to adopt a new long-term policy approach with ambitious security of supply and decarbonization targets.

This policy brief presents the key takeaways a detailed assessment of the long-term visions for the security of natural gas supply and for the acceleration of fossil fuel phaseout in Southeast Europe (SEE). In all gas security/decarbonization scenarios assessed, gas demand reduction policies can alleviate Southeast Europe’s vulnerability to Russia’s blackmail and contribute to stronger energy and climate security.