As a former European Commission Deputy Director-General responsible for energy markets, Borchardt is an experienced expert in the issues at stake. Structural shifts in the electricity systems require corresponding energy network development, notably the growing need to integrate different energy sources and the decarbonisation of the gas system. These requirements are exacerbated by the region’s proximity to Ukraine and Moldova and the previous dependence in imports of Russian energy. The Coordinator’s role will be to strengthen regional interconnectivity in Central- and South-East Europe, to promote a regulatory framework that ensures market integration, the efficient use of infrastructure and affordability in alignment with EU rules and to ensure security of energy supply and diversification in the Central and South-East European region. The Coordinator will promote the interconnectivity and well-functioning of the Central- and South-East European energy markets including projects of common interest (PCI) under the TEN-E Regulation and initiatives falling under the auspices of the Central and South-East European Energy Connectivity High-Level Group (CESEC). His work will address the region’s challenges, while ensuring a stable and sustainable energy future for the region, security of energy supply and alignment with the EU acquis.

Under the Trans-European Network for Energy (TEN-E) Regulation (EU/2022/869), the Commission may designate, in agreement with the EU countries concerned, European coordinators for projects of common interest. Last year a similar coordinator was appointed for the Baltic Synchronisation project to oversee its completion.