Cross-border electricity trade in Southeast Europe became more dynamic in Week 24, with regional net imports increasing by 121.0 GWh or 10.3% to 1.30 TWh. Italy acted again as the dominant import hub, absorbing surplus power from neighboring systems.
Italy’s import role and domestic demand
Italy reinforced its position as the region’s key demand center, with net imports rising by 13.8% to 1.08 TWh. Domestic consumption increased by 6.7% to 5.12 TWh, alongside a persistent price premium of €123.17/MWh. The combination of higher demand and elevated prices supported Italy’s role as a destination for electricity flows from lower-priced markets.
Shifts in exports and import reliance across the region
Bulgaria expanded its export position, with exports more than doubling in percentage terms. Greece reduced its reliance on imports, cutting net inflows by 63.6%. Türkiye also strengthened its export balance, supported by strong renewable generation and structurally low domestic prices.
Hungary remained a net importer but reduced its import dependence by 60.3%, while Croatia recorded a decline in imports. Romania saw only a modest increase in net imports, and Serbia’s cross-border position stayed broadly stable. These changes indicate an uneven regional flow structure rather than a synchronized market response.
Price spreads and the value of cross-border capacity
Southeast Europe continued to show significant price spreads between markets, with Serbia at €78.22/MWh, Bulgaria at €93.58/MWh, Hungary at €98.71/MWh, and Italy at €123.17/MWh. Differences across pricing levels supported trading activity across the region.
Cross-border capacity became increasingly valuable as a commercial asset, enabling electricity transfers from lower-priced surplus zones into higher-priced demand centers such as Italy. As renewable penetration grows, market outcomes were expected to be shaped more by hourly cross-border flows, congestion constraints, and price arbitrage windows.
