After last year's meeting in Karadjordjevo, Serbia, this year the presidents of Southeast European countries met in Macedonia to discuss energy supply security, which has a significant impact on regional economic development.
Analysts say that energy demand in Southeast Europe has been constantly rising, which calls for investments in the energy sector. It is estimated that some 30 billion euros is needed to cover the current energy demand.
Experts warn of possible shortages in electric power, on which Southeast Europe relies to a great extent. This calls for a larger number of power plants and development of renewable energy sources.
The Ohrid summit, which begins this evening with a dinner organised by Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski, will be attended by the presidents of Albania, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Vice-President of Bulgaria.
Romanian President Traian Basescu will not attend due to the procedure of impeachment.
On Friday, participants in the summit will adopt a joint declaration on long-term energy stability.