Cross-border electricity flows across Southeast Europe tightened significantly during Week 27. Regional net imports increased sharply, with the period marked by stronger demand, weaker renewable generation and growing dependence on imported electricity in several key markets.
SEE net imports jump week on week
Total SEE net electricity imports climbed 28.2% week on week, rising from 972 GWh to 1.25 TWh. The increase pointed to a greater need for external supply across the region. Higher consumption and lower renewable output reduced the availability of domestic generation during the week.
Hungary recorded the largest increase in import demand, with net imports surging 157.9% to 202 GWh. Romania followed with a 44.8% rise to 194 GWh. Serbia also moved from a marginal net import position of 7 GWh in Week 26 to 90 GWh in Week 27.
Higher day-ahead prices in import-led markets
Hungary, Romania and Serbia were among the highest-priced power markets in Southeast Europe during the reporting period. Average day-ahead prices reached EUR 164.31/MWh in Romania, EUR 162.04/MWh in Hungary and EUR 139.93/MWh in Serbia. The higher import demand into already expensive markets provided support for prices.
The price backdrop was linked to reduced availability of surplus electricity from neighbouring countries. With imports rising in multiple markets, regional supply conditions became more dependent on cross-border deliveries rather than local generation.
Export balances narrow for Greece, Bulgaria and Türkiye
Meanwhile, the region’s main exporting countries supplied less electricity to neighbouring markets during the week. Greece, Bulgaria and Türkiye remained net exporters, but their export balances narrowed compared with the prior period.
Greece’s net exports fell from 254 GWh to 115 GWh, a decline of 54.7%. Bulgaria and Türkiye also recorded lower export surpluses during Week 27.
Implications for trading and flow monitoring
The changing flow pattern affects electricity trading across the region. Continued growth in import demand from Hungary, Romania and Serbia alongside reduced export availability from neighbouring countries could keep regional price premiums elevated.
Conversely, stronger generation in exporting markets or weaker regional demand would be expected to reduce import dependence and narrow price spreads. Monitoring cross-border electricity flows remains part of daily market analysis alongside wholesale prices and generation trends.
Traders are expected to track not only import volumes but also changes in flow directions and exporter availability. Attention is also focused on whether import demand intensifies during evening peak hours, when regional supply conditions are typically tightest.
Market outlook based on ongoing cross-border flows
Cross-border flows continue to indicate a tight Southeast European power market. Hungary, Romania and Serbia remain principal import-driven markets for the region’s power balance.
Developments in Greece, Bulgaria and Türkiye are highlighted as key factors for whether regional supply conditions tighten further or begin to improve.
