The Croatian Power Exchange (CROPEX) has taken a new step toward regional electricity market integration by extending its operations into Slovenia, marking the first time the platform will be directly active in the neighboring country’s power market.
The expansion is expected to strengthen cross-border electricity trading between Croatia and Slovenia while contributing to a more coordinated regional power market. By operating in Slovenia, CROPEX aims to deepen cooperation between the two electricity systems and facilitate smoother electricity flows across national borders.
Closer market alignment should help improve the efficiency of electricity trading while supporting more stable pricing conditions for both producers and consumers. Market coupling between the two countries is also expected to increase liquidity in the regional power market, allowing participants to take advantage of arbitrage opportunities created by price differences.
Recent market data already highlights the strong connection between the Croatian and Slovenian electricity markets. Day-ahead trading prices on 12 March showed a high level of price convergence, with electricity on CROPEX averaging 113.54 euros/MWh, while Slovenia’s BSP SouthPool exchange recorded an average of 109.75 euros/MWh.
Such relatively narrow price differences largely reflect significant cross-border electricity flows as well as imports from Central European electricity markets. The formal presence of CROPEX in Slovenia is expected to further optimize these flows and enhance overall market efficiency.
The development also aligns with a broader trend of energy market integration and infrastructure expansion across southeastern Europe. Several regional initiatives are currently underway to strengthen cross-border connectivity, improve market liquidity, and enhance the resilience of the regional electricity system.