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In a time marked by rising global uncertainties, ensuring secure and stable access to food and energy has become more important than ever—especially for small, import-dependent economies such as those in the Western Balkans. In its latest policy brief, the Institute for Strategic Studies and Prognoses (ISSP) provides an in-depth analysis of food and energy trade in the region, with a particular focus on Montenegro.
The publication explores the interdependence between countries in the Western Balkans and assesses the potential for enhancing market stability through regional cooperation and policy reform. The brief outlines the key structural challenges in Montenegro’s food trade—most notably the heavy reliance on imports, with food imports averaging sixteen times higher than exports in the period from 2018 to 2022. The analysis links this imbalance to both limited domestic production capacity and the seasonal increase in demand caused by tourism.
On the energy side, the brief highlights a more optimistic outlook. Montenegro’s growing investments in energy infrastructure—particularly in renewable sources—suggest the country has the potential to transition from a net importer to a regional exporter of clean energy. However, further investment, modernization, and alignment with EU energy standards are necessary to fully realize this potential.
Beyond national contexts, the policy brief emphasizes the importance of deeper regional integration. Enhanced cooperation in both the food and energy sectors could help Western Balkan countries reduce import dependence, increase resilience to global shocks, and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable economy.
Some of the key recommendations include:
• Supporting producer associations and regional supply chains in the agri-food sector;
• Increasing investment in renewable energy infrastructure;
• Aligning energy and trade policies with EU standards;
• Promoting coordinated regional approaches to sustainability and market integration.
This policy brief was developed with the support of the “SMART Balkans – Civil Society for Shared Society in the Western Balkans” regional project, implemented by CPCD, CRPM and IDM, and financially supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The full brief is available for download here.
We invite policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders across the region to engage with its findings and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient Western Balkans.