The Belgrade Energy Forum (BEF) 2025, organized by the Balkan Green Energy News portal, brought together key actors of the energy transition in the Southeast European region for the third consecutive year.

Held on May 14–15, 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Belgrade, this prestigious forum has already established itself as the leading regional platform for the exchange of knowledge, strategic visions, and cooperation in the fields of energy and climate policy.

Following the success of its previous two editions, BEF 2025 once again gathered nearly a thousand participants from more than thirty countries, including ministers of energy, directors of international organizations, heads of leading energy companies, investors, and experts from various sectors.

The President of the International Institute for Climate Activities (IICA) and Special Envoy for Climate Action of the Republic of Croatia, Mrs. Marija Pujo Tadić, participated as a panelist in the high-level ministerial panel, which brought together decision-makers from the region and Europe. The aim of the panel was to jointly address the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition and the strengthening of climate resilience. Her continued participation further affirms the growing role of Croatia and IICA in promoting regional climate cooperation.

In her address, the IICA President emphasized the importance of a joint approach to climate challenges, delivering a powerful message: “You cannot draw borders in the air!” With this statement, she reminded attendees that climate change knows no national boundaries and that solutions must be collective, supranational, and integrated. Such forums are vital for sharing experiences and seeking effective responses to common challenges.

In addition to Mrs. Pujo Tadić, panelists included Petar Đokić, Minister of Energy and Mining of the Republic of Srpska; Admir Šahmanović, Minister of Mining, Oil, and Gas of Montenegro; Jovana Joksimović, Assistant Minister at the Ministry of Mining and Energy of the Republic of Serbia; Dr. Illés Boglárka, State Secretary for Bilateral Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary; and Dario Liguti, Director of Sustainable Energy at UNECE. The discussion was moderated by Dirk Buschle, Partner at the law firm Becker Büttner Held and former Deputy Director of the Energy Community Secretariat, ensuring a structured and insightful exchange.

IICA remains firmly committed to building bridges between regional countries and European institutions, promoting a fair, sustainable, and accelerated energy transition. The green transition knows no borders – only through collective steps can we ensure a resilient and secure energy future.

Finally, special thanks were extended to Mrs. Branislava Jovičić, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Balkan Green Energy News, for the outstanding organization of the event, as well as to her entire team for their professionalism and dedication.