On May 5, 2026, New Strategy Center participated in the Connectivity and Investment Forum organized by the Pupin Institute in Belgrade, Serbia.
NSC was represented by Laurențiu Pachiu, Senior Associate Expert, who was a speaker on the panel dedicated to the topic “Energy Security & Strategic Infrastructure: Powering Serbia’s Regional Role.” He emphasized the importance of regional structures in promoting the development of regional energy infrastructure, attracting investments, and strengthening connectivity.
Given the structural strategic asymmetry between Serbia and the countries in the region (including Romania), particularly regarding membership in regional cooperation frameworks (the EU, NATO, the Three Seas Initiative, and the Bucharest Nine — organizations of which Serbia is not a member), the NSC expert highlighted the areas where the Serbia–Romania bilateral relationship can nevertheless be leveraged effectively.

Natural gas and electricity interconnectors, balancing platforms, energy storage, Romania’s nuclear expertise that could support Serbia’s nuclear program, and the development of the Danube corridor in terms of logistics and renewable energy (including a hydrogen hub) were all identified as areas that could further energize bilateral cooperation.
The panel also featured Serbian and American experts who addressed Serbia’s nuclear program and innovation in the Serbian electricity storage sector. The NSC expert stressed the need to approach regional energy connectivity not solely on competitive and bilateral grounds, but from the perspective of the long-term relevance and resilience of regional energy infrastructure, for the benefit of all countries in the region.