A Treaty For A Southeast European Energy Community

The Environment and Security Initiative (UNEP/UNDP/OSCE/ REC/UNECE and NATO as associate partner), as well as the Regional Environmental Cohesion Initiative as a tool for sustainable development and EU Accession (by NGOs in the region), contribute to moving the Balkan region from conflict towards sustainable development. However, the process is still fragile. The implementation of the Regional Treaty Establishing the Energy Community (ECT) will be an indicator of environmental and energy security. This paper presents an analysis of the obligations and implementation of the ECT through an environmental security lens. Although the ECT as an international legally binding instrument is contributing to regional develop- ment planning, an analysis of the implementation of the ECT reveals serious institutional and capacity gaps. Through this paper the author opens a discussion on effective and harmonized steps towards environmental-energy security (EnEnSEC) and sustainable development in SEE transition countries.