The Three Seas Initiative, while successful in reducing Europe’s reliance on Russian gas, is under scrutiny for its continued investment in gas infrastructure. Experts urge a shift towards renewable energy solutions to align with climate goals.

At its tenth anniversary meeting in Dubrovnik, the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) celebrated its achievements in enhancing energy and infrastructure connectivity among its 13 EU member states. However, the initiative’s ongoing focus on gas-related projects has raised concerns about its alignment with a sustainable energy future.

Despite significant progress in diversifying energy sources away from Russian imports, with pipeline gas supplies dropping dramatically, the 3SI’s portfolio still heavily favors gas investments. Of the nine flagship energy projects highlighted, five are gas-related, indicating a persistent reliance on fossil fuels that could undermine long-term climate objectives.

Critics argue that the 3SI must pivot towards renewable energy development, particularly as it launches a new €2 billion ‘fund of funds’ aimed at regional infrastructure. This funding presents an opportunity to prioritize clean energy initiatives, such as hydrogen production and energy storage, which are essential for achieving the EU’s climate neutrality target by 2050.