Energy Democracy and Energy Poverty in Europe: Focus on the Western Balkans
The Department of Industrial Engineering and Mathematical Sciences (DIISM) at Università Politecnica delle Marche is a key partner in the POWERING CITIZENS Research Report, a comprehensive investigation into energy poverty and energy democracy across Europe, with particular emphasis on the Western Balkans.
Published in 2025 by Comparative Research Network e.V., and developed within the EU-funded POWERING CITIZENS project (CERV-2023-CITIZENS-CIV), this report examines how European and national policy frameworks align, or fall short, in addressing the needs of vulnerable households and enabling citizen participation in the clean energy transition (https://poweringcitizens.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Research-Report-POWERINGCITIZENS-fin.pdf).
The report’s mixed-method research combines policy analysis, statistical assessments based on Energy Poverty Advisory Hub (EPAH) indicators, and case studies from six European countries: Italy, Greece, Germany, Kosovo, Albania, and the Netherlands.
Key findings include:
- A gap between EU climate and sustainability goals and the reality on the ground, where implementation of energy poverty alleviation policies remains fragmented and inconsistent.
- Regional disparities, especially in the Western Balkans, where structural vulnerabilities and limited infrastructure deepen energy poverty and reduce access to social protection and energy rights.
- Evidence that existing policy strategies often lack a rights-based and participatory approach, limiting citizens’ ability to influence energy decisions that affect their daily lives.
The report concludes with strategic recommendations aimed at fostering inclusive energy governance, strengthening multilevel cooperation, enhancing local capacities, and promoting citizen-led initiatives like renewable energy communities as tools to alleviate energy poverty and advance energy democracy across Europe
As a research contributor, DIISM-UNIVPM supported the conceptual framework, data analysis, and synthesis of findings, reinforcing its commitment to evidence-based policy work and empowering citizens in the energy transition.
Full Research Report offers detailed insights, country profiles, and policy guidance for researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers committed to equitable and participatory energy systems.
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