Within the conference “Energy Turnaround” – The Path to Climate Neutrality, decarbonization and just transition held on 16 and 17 April 2025 in Tuzla, organized by the Federal Ministry of Energy, Mining and Industry, the panel “The impact of ETS and CBAM on company operations and export-oriented economy” was held, consisting of:
• Nihad Harbaš, nLogic Advisory, panel moderator
• Sabina Šahman – Salihbegović, Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism
• Nevad Ikanović, JP „Elektroprivreda BiH“
• Maria Đogić, JP „Elektroprivreda HZ HB“ d.d. Mostar
• Mirsad Jašarspahić, Chamber of Commerce of the FBiH,
• Nedim Pašić, Lukavac cement
• Asmir Kovačević, NLB Banka
Through a dynamic discussion on the panel, the following conclusions were reached:
• The export-oriented, as well as the entire economy of BiH, is facing the challenges of the cost of carbon taxation in accordance with regulations related to emissions trading schemes (ETS).
• The commitment is to move towards establishing a national ETS, i.e. gradual alignment with the EU ETS, in order to avoid the application of CBAM, i.e. so that the collected funds (estimated in billions of €) can remain in BiH and be used for domestic decarbonization projects.
• Adapting and establishing an ETS requires a harmonized and clear legislative framework, as well as a strategic approach that includes all levels of government and sectors of the economy – a multisectoral approach.
• The commitment is to work on adopting an appropriate legal and strategic framework, as well as incentive mechanisms that will create the preconditions for an accelerated and just transition, first and foremost of the energy sector.
• Energy and fiscal policies need to be directed towards creating a favorable environment for investment in green production technologies and rational energy use.
• It is necessary to create a stable and stimulating environment for investments in renewable energy sources, energy efficiency and sustainable business models, while integrating measures that will ensure energy security and social justice.
• Finally, there is a clear commitment to establish an ETS, and to strive to avoid CBAM, and to obtain a special exemption for electricity exports, which requires:
• Adoption of the Law on the Regulator, Transmission and Electricity Market of BiH (exchange, NEMO, market coupling, day ahead & intraday market );
• Adoption of the Roadmap for MRVA and ETS – with a defined year for exiting coal;
• Establishment of MRVA and ETS and
• Adoption of the long-term strategy of climate neutrality of BiH by 2050.
