The Balkan Energy School (BES) was founded on December, 16, 2022 and hosted in Milan at ARERA premises. According to its Statutes, the primary aim of BES is to foster debate and facilitate the exchange of knowledge within the energy sector. This focus encompasses market development, regulatory practices, and the integration of energy systems, all while considering new sustainability parameters.
To achieve its mission, BES operates capacity building activities dedicated to the acquisition and transfer of knowledge and the enhancement of regulatory capabilities within the energy sector. This training is especially targeted at the Balkan region and South-Eastern Europe more broadly. By focusing on these areas, BES aims to address the unique challenges and opportunities present in these dynamic and evolving markets.
BES for Education
BES implements its educational initiatives through a variety of formats. These include courses, seminars, conferences, and study visits, among other types of events designed to disseminate information and facilitate learning.
BES for Research
The organization publishes detailed analyses, studies, and research reports, along with customized policy papers on various energy topics. These publications are aimed at informing public discourse and guiding policy development within the energy sector.
BES for Policies
By crafting well-informed policy proposals, BES seeks to support the development and integration of energy markets within the Euro-Balkan region. These recommendations are intended to promote cohesive and efficient regulatory frameworks that can facilitate market growth and sustainability.
The Balkan Energy School is a pivotal institution in the energy sector, dedicated to promoting knowledge exchange, regulatory improvement, and market integration. Through its comprehensive educational programs, research publications, and policy recommendations, BES aims to drive progress and innovation in the energy markets of the Balkan region and beyond.
Day of Balkan Energy School’s constitution
Mission of the Balkan Energy School (BES)
The Balkan Energy School (BES) has a multifaceted mission designed to foster growth, collaboration, and innovation within the energy sector. Here, we elaborate on the key points that constitute the core of BES’s mission:
Aims to promote debate and knowledge exchange in the energy field.
At BES, we believe that open debate and the exchange of knowledge are crucial for advancing the energy sector. By creating a platform where experts, policymakers, and stakeholders can engage in meaningful discussions, we aim to spur innovation and address the challenges facing the energy industry. Our forums, conferences, and seminars are designed to encourage dialogue and the sharing of insights, helping to build a more informed and dynamic energy community.
Favors markets connection through people.
We understand that markets are driven by the people who operate within them. Therefore, BES prioritizes fostering connections among individuals across different markets. By facilitating networking opportunities and collaborative projects, we help bridge gaps between various market players. This human-centric approach ensures that knowledge and best practices are shared more effectively, leading to stronger, more integrated markets.
Builds up successful cooperation on common knowledge and reciprocal trust.
Successful cooperation is built on a foundation of shared knowledge and mutual trust. BES is dedicated to cultivating an environment where these elements can flourish. Through our programs and initiatives, we promote the development of partnerships that are grounded in common understanding and respect. This approach not only enhances the effectiveness of collaborations but also fosters long-term relationships that benefit the entire energy sector.
Strives to be a knowledge hub transferring information on energy regulation to and from the Balkans region. In line with its hub nature, BES is targeted to be linked to as many other players as possible.
As a knowledge hub, BES serves as a conduit for the flow of information regarding energy regulations, both within the Balkans and beyond. We aim to ensure that our members are well-informed about regulatory changes and trends, enabling them to adapt and respond proactively. By linking with a wide array of players, including international organizations, regulatory bodies, and industry experts, we facilitate a comprehensive exchange of regulatory knowledge that supports informed decision-making and compliance.
Is rooted in the long-term experience of peer-to-peer cooperation among its members.
The strength of BES lies in its peer-to-peer cooperation. Our members benefit from the collective experience, this cooperative spirit is embedded in our culture, driving our initiatives and shaping our approach to problem-solving. By leveraging this extensive experience, BES is able to offer valuable insights and practical solutions that address the evolving needs of the energy sector.
Aspires to a wider collaboration not limited to regulatory authorities but shared with all other actors of the energy sector: system operators, market operators, market participants, policymakers.
BES seeks to broaden the scope of its collaborations to include a diverse range of stakeholders. We recognize that the energy sector is a complex ecosystem that involves various actors, each playing a vital role. By fostering inclusive partnerships that go beyond regulatory authorities, we aim to bring together system operators, market participants, and policymakers. This holistic approach ensures that all perspectives are considered, leading to more comprehensive and effective solutions for the challenges facing the energy industry.
The Balkan Energy School’s mission is to create a vibrant and collaborative environment that promotes knowledge exchange, market integration, and cooperative partnerships. By leveraging our extensive experience and fostering connections across the energy sector, we strive to drive innovation and support the sustainable development of the industry.
General Assembly
The Balkan Energy School (BES) operates through a well-defined structure and decision-making process designed to ensure inclusive and effective governance.
Our steering and decision-making body is the General Assembly.
The General Assembly is the principal body responsible for steering and making decisions within BES. It functions as the central platform where strategic directions are set, major policies are established, and key decisions are made. This assembly embodies the collective will and vision of BES, guiding its operations and ensuring alignment with its mission and goals.
Each Member is represented in the General Assembly.
Inclusivity and representation are fundamental principles of BES. Every member organization has a voice in the General Assembly, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered in the decision-making process. This inclusive representation fosters a sense of ownership and collaboration among all members, strengthening the unity and effectiveness of BES.
Decisions are taken by a two-thirds qualified majority and are about:
Annual work programme The General Assembly sets the annual work programme, outlining the key activities, initiatives, and projects for the upcoming year. This programme serves as a roadmap for BES, aligning efforts and resources with its strategic objectives.
Annual report The annual report provides a comprehensive review of BES’s activities, achievements, and financial performance over the past year. It is a critical document for transparency and accountability, ensuring that members are informed about the organization’s progress and challenges.
Budget and Final Financial Statements Financial stewardship is crucial for the sustainability of BES. The General Assembly approves the budget and final financial statements, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and financial practices meet high standards of accountability and integrity.
Admission of new members Expanding the membership base is vital for the growth and diversity of BES. The General Assembly reviews and approves the admission of new members, ensuring that they align with the organization’s values and contribute positively to its mission.
Appointment of the Chairperson and the Director Leadership plays a pivotal role in guiding BES. The General Assembly is responsible for appointing the Chairperson and the Director, key positions that provide strategic direction and oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization. These appointments are critical for maintaining effective leadership and continuity.
The governance structure of the Balkan Energy School, centered on the General Assembly, ensures that decision-making is inclusive, transparent, and aligned with the collective interests of its members. Through a structured process requiring a two-thirds majority for major decisions, BES fosters a collaborative environment where strategic objectives are effectively pursued.
Chairperson
The Chairperson is the general representative body of the Association with functions of coordination, direction and internal and external relations of the Association and in particular handles institutional relations with the Regulatory Authorities and the main institutions and bodies (stakeholders) in the energy field.
Livio de Santoli is Professor of Environmental Technical Physics at Sapienza University of Rome and previously held the role of Vice-Rector for Sustainability and Energy Policy.
He lectured in Energy Management and Energy Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering and in Technical Building Systems within the Faculty of Architecture.
Throughout his career he has been President of the ATI – Italian Thermotechnical Association, Coordinator of the Energy Efficiency Working Group of the ARERA Observatory, and Chair of the Steering Committee of the FREE Coordination. Former President of AiCARR and Sapienza’s representative in the National Energy Cluster, he has also served as Director of the CITERA Research Centre and Dean of the Valle Giulia School of Architecture.
In the area of energy planning, he authored the PAESC – Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan for Rome Capital (2013), the PEAR – Regional Energy and Environmental Plan of the Molise Region (2017), and the PES – Sapienza Energy Plan (2019). He coordinated the MIUR PRIN research project on upgrading existing buildings to meet nZEB standards and supervised the energy and environmental sustainability of Palazzo Italia at the Milan EXPO 2015.
He has authored more than 250 scientific papers and 20 academic and public-facing books on energy systems, renewable sources, and energy efficiency. He has received numerous awards, including the Eurosolar Award (2008), the REHVA Science Award (2009), and the Forum PA Award (2011, 2017).
Secretariat
Meet our dedicated team, each bringing unique skills and experience to drive innovation and excellence. Together, we work collaboratively to achieve our mission and deliver impactful results for our community and stakeholders.
Maria Teresa Galante graduated in Political Science International Relations and European Integration has always been interested in international activities. Since 2010 she works at the Italian Regulatory Authority for Energy, Networks and Environment (ARERA) where is official.
Her main activities are focused on implementing ARERA Institutional International Relations at bilateral and multilateral level.
She represents ARERA in several international networks such as MEDREG, Energy Community Regulatory Board (ECRB) and Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER).
Furthermore, she has experience in implementing European Commission and other International Organization projects like Twinning and TAIEX (Technical Assistance and Information Exchange Instrument) focused on regional integration.
Due to her experience in implementing capacity building and know-how exchange projects she has contributed to the creation of the Balkan Energy School (BES).
Since April 2025 she is the Head of the Secretariat of the Balkan Energy School.
With a diverse background across the energy, IT, and organizational sectors, Edita Hoxha brings a wealth of experience in international relations, communication, and project management. Fluent in multiple languages and with a strong academic background—holding degrees in Business and Economics as well as Business Informatics from Johannes Kepler University (Linz, Austria) and Mesdhetari University (Tirane, Albania). She has built a versatile career combining technical knowledge with organizational leadership.
Since 2019, she has served as the International Relations Officer at the Albanian Energy Regulatory Authority (ERE), where she manages international cooperation and represents the institution in key regional and European energy initiatives. In addition to her role at ERE, since April 2025 she has joined the Balkan Energy School (BES) Secretariat dealing with event and organization activities.
Elena-Pinelopi Nikoli holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and has completed her MSc in Energy: Strategy, Law and Economics at the University of Piraeus. Her academic and professional interests focus on EU energy policy, energy regulation, regulatory governance, regional energy cooperation, and the sustainable energy transition.
At the Regulatory Authority for Energy, Waste and Water (RAAEY), she wokrs in the International and European Affairs Unit, supporting international cooperation as well as European and regional energy regulatory affairs . She is actively involved in energy regulatory cooperation in the Balkans through her work with the Energy Community Regulatory Board (ECRB) and the Independent Regulators Group (IRG). She also represents RAAEY in the INS Working Group of MEDREG, contributing to regional regulatory cooperation and knowledge exchange among Mediterranean energy regulators.
Her professional background combines experience in energy regulation, legal and administrative support, business operations, and stakeholder communication, strengthening her organisational and project management skills. Since May 2026, she has been added to the Balkan Energy School (BES) Secretariat, contributing to its broader mission of promoting knowledge exchange in the energy sector, with a particular focus on the Balkan energy landscape.
Ina Xhepa has been a translator at the Albanian Energy Regulatory Authority (ERE) since 2019. In this role, she is responsible for translating legal, technical, and regulatory documents, as well as facilitating communication with international partners. Ina holds a degree in English Language and a MSc, both of which she has effectively applied to her work in the energy sector, particularly in supporting the alignment of Albanian regulations with EU standards.
In addition to her translation work, Ina has experience teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) and English for Specific Purposes (ESP), which has further strengthened her language proficiency and communication skills. Since April 2025, she has joined the Balkan Energy School (BES) Secretariat dealing with communication and website activities.
Since 2011 Salvatore Lanza has been collaborating with ARERA, at first as advisor to the Board and subsequently in the Special Office for European Regulation. His main area of activity is the integration of the European electricity market. During the past years, he chaired many international working groups (CACM TF of the ACER Electricity Working Group, ECRB Electricity Working Group, CACM Pentalateral Coordination Group, Joint Expert Team on Energy Community).
Since April 2025, he has been the convenor of the BES Strategic Working Group.
He has a PhD in Economics.
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