Cross-border electricity trade in Southeast Europe became notably more dynamic during Week 24, reflecting a more fragmented regional balance rather than a uniform supply shortage. Regional net imports increased by 121.0 GWh, or 10.3%, reaching 1.30 TWh, as trade flows adjusted to uneven generation patterns and shifting demand across individual markets.
Italy remained the central import hub of the regional system. Net imports into Italy rose by 130.9 GWh, or 13.8%, to 1.08 TWh, supported by a 6.7% increase in demand to 5.12 TWh and a weekly average day-ahead price of €123.17/MWh, the highest in the Southeast European comparison. This persistent price premium continued to attract electricity from surrounding markets, reinforcing Italy’s role as the key structural demand sink in the region.
At the same time, several Balkan markets strengthened their export positions. Bulgaria recorded a sharp increase in net exports, rising by 41.3 GWh, or 103.2%, while Greece more than doubled its net export balance, reducing net imports from 169.7 GWh to 61.9 GWh. Türkiye also improved its export profile, with net exports increasing by 53.1%, supported by strong growth in renewable generation.
Hungary remained a net importer but significantly reduced its reliance on external supply, cutting net imports by 108.5 GWh, or 60.3%. Croatia also recorded a modest improvement, with net imports declining by 8.9%, while Serbia’s import position remained broadly stable. Romania moved in the opposite direction, with net imports increasing by 5.3% over the week.
Overall, the trade structure highlights Italy as the main commercial absorber of surplus electricity in Southeast Europe. Periods of stronger renewable generation in Türkiye and the Balkans increase export availability, but the ultimate flow of that surplus is still determined by Italian demand strength, regional price differentials, and interconnection constraints.
For market participants, Week 24 reinforced a key structural theme: Southeast European electricity trade is increasingly driven by cross-border spread dynamics rather than isolated national fundamentals. The interaction between renewable output, Italian import demand, Hungarian price premiums, and Balkan export capacity is becoming the primary force shaping regional power flows and trading opportunities.