European Green Deal and the energy transition in Western BalkansMavrič, Matjaž (Avtor) Nahtigal, Matjaž (Mentor) Kmezić, Sanja (Komentor) European Green Dealenergy transitionWestern BalkansEuropeanisationrenewable energyEnergy transition is a multidimensional process that involves technological, economic, political, and social changes in how energy is produced, distributed, and consumed. The thesis examines how the European Union, through the European Green Deal, influences the energy transition in the Western Balkans. The research focuses on six countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. The goal is to assess EU influence through the dimensions of regulatory alignment with the EU energy and climate acquis, financial assistance and support instruments, and national implementation. The thesis combines qualitative analysis of European Union, Energy Community and national policy documents with interpretive analysis of secondary statistical data and indicators. Findings show that the European Green Deal has intensified reform efforts in the region, especially through National Energy and Climate Plans, renewable-energy legislation, electricity-market reforms, carbon-pricing requirements and the European Union’s financial instruments. However, the European Union’s influence is stronger in formal legislative alignment than in practical implementation. Progress is uneven across the region, yet the transition remains incomplete in all six countries due to continued reliance on coal, limited administrative capacity, fragmented governance, financing constraints, energy poverty and weak enforcement.M. Mavrič20262026-07-01 07:30:09Magistrsko delo/naloga184146sl