Energy officials from Serbia, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) and the Republic of Srpska (RS) have agreed to intensify cooperation on hydropower development along the Drina River, while also exploring stronger regional gas connectivity.
During the meeting, Serbia’s Mining and Energy Minister Dubravka Đedović, FBiH Energy, Mining and Industry Minister Vedran Lakić, and RS Energy and Mining Minister Petar Đokić discussed future steps related to hydropower projects on the middle section of the Drina River, as well as potential regional gas interconnections.
The participants agreed that one of the first priorities should be a review of existing technical documentation for planned hydropower facilities, followed by the establishment of a joint working body. They also confirmed plans to prepare a formal memorandum of cooperation related to the project.
Serbia reiterated its willingness to continue activities connected to the Upper Drina hydropower scheme once the necessary conditions within Bosnia and Herzegovina are met. According to Minister Đedović, around €15 million has already been invested in preparatory works, while the state utility EPS continues financing the joint venture involved in the project.
The Serbian minister emphasized that the Drina River represents a shared regional resource and highlighted the importance of integrating the broader Western Balkans electricity market with the European Union. She also pointed to the growing need for diversified gas supply routes across the region.
In parallel with hydropower discussions, Serbian representatives presented plans for new gas interconnections with Romania and North Macedonia. Officials also reviewed options for strengthening gas links between Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina in order to improve energy security in the region.
Minister Lakić stressed the importance of accelerating discussions on possible implementation models for hydropower plants on the middle Drina. He added that expanding gas infrastructure remains a strategic priority for FBiH, highlighting ongoing plans related to the Southern Gas Interconnection project and future gas-fired power plants.
Minister Đokić underlined that environmental impact studies for the Upper Drina project have already been completed, arguing that the region is missing a major opportunity by not utilizing its hydropower potential more efficiently. He added that the planned construction of three hydropower plants on the middle Drina could deliver significant long-term energy benefits for all parties involved.
