FEDERAL MINISTER LAKIĆ AFTER VISIT TO USA: ENERGY TRANSITION IS KEY PRIORITY IN FBIH

SARAJEVO, AUGUST 3 (ONASA) – Federal Minister of Energy, Mining and Industry Vedran Lakić was in the United States of America, where he met at the State Department with US Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Geoffrey R. Pyatt, who, after successful diplomatic career, found as of September 2022, announced the Government of FBiH.
The Federal Department of Energy, Mines and Industry announced that the Bureau of Energy Resources is leading the State Department’s efforts to develop and implement international energy policy through diplomatic and programmatic engagement that promotes a low-emissions future, energy security for the US and its allies and partners, and economic prosperity through sustainable, affordable and reliable access to energy.
The Ministry states that Minister Lakić informed Secretary Pyatt that the energy transition in the Federation of BiH and Bosnia and Herzegovina itself is the highest priority of the FBiH Government and the FBiH Parliament, which together participate in this through the legal regulation of this area, adopting three reform laws concerning renewable energy energy sources and market opening to the private sector. Renewable energy sources, wind farms, solar power plants and co-financing of the purchase of electric vehicles from the budget were also topics of the meeting, and the Southern Interconnection project was also discussed, which is key to the diversification of risks and the stable supply of gas to BiH, for which Pyatt himself expressed interest.
While staying in Washington, Minister Lakić also participated in the conference “Western Balkans: Transatlantic and regional cooperation – building stronger alliances” at the invitation of the Transatlantic Leadership Network and the Atlantic Council. Through the panel “Energy Diversification: The Path to European Energy Independence”, he pointed out that in all strategic documents and economic programs of the government at all levels in Bosnia and Herzegovina, energy transition is one of the key priorities.
– We are aware of the negative consequences for the environment and that is why we are now aggressively entering into the processes of energy transition and switching to renewable energy sources to the greatest extent. As much as we need a transition, the fact remains that thermal power plants are still the pillar of our electricity supply. At the moment, we are all facing a high rate of inflation and a decrease in purchasing power, which is why we decided to subsidize electricity costs to a large extent – Minister Lakić said.
The minister also stated that, in difficult times, the goal is to provide the citizens of the Western Balkans with hope for a better standard of living, which can be achieved by working together, because like Europe and the world, the Western Balkans is one market. He also emphasized the great commitment of the Energy Community, which aims to achieve progress in the energy transition and solve the problem of climate change in the Western Balkans by providing support in fulfilling the obligations assumed in the field of energy and climate change.
The Ministry states that, in addition to representatives from the countries of the region, the Conference was also attended by American officials, whose message was that the USA remains present in the region and will support the cooperation of the countries of the Western Balkans in the process of stabilization and joining the EU.
In Washington, Minister Lakić also visited the embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina and met with BiH Ambassador Sven Alkalaj, where it was agreed that more significant advocacy of the interests of the Federation of BiH and BiH in the United States of America, and better connection of citizens of Bosnian origin with our country in all spheres of interest, emphasizing investments as the primary sphere, it was announced from the Federal Ministry of Energy, Mining and Industry.