Central and Eastern Europe 2026: Who will take the lead?

Amid multiple geopolitical crises along Europe’s eastern border, energy security and independence are at the top of the policy agenda for governments across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). This priority is not only driven by the need to reduce reliance on Russian gas and diversify supply sources, but also by EU climate obligations, volatile fossil fuel prices, and ageing power systems. In contrast to many Western European markets, clean energy deployment across much of CEE has gained momentum. Looking ahead to 2026, what will be the defining trends shaping the CEE energy transition, and which markets or players are best positioned to lead it?