The Association Renewable Energy Sources of Serbia has appointed Matteo Colangeli, former EBRD Director for the Western Balkans, as a new lifetime Honorary Member of the Association. Colangeli was recently promoted to the position of Director for SME at the EBRD in London.

To mark this recognition and as a token of gratitude for his contribution to the development of the Association and the region’s energy transition, a farewell cocktail was organized, attended by representatives of embassies, state institutions, RES Serbia members, and partners.

Colangeli: The RES sector is stronger than ever

Matteo Colangeli stated that he is proud that the EBRD supported the founding of the Association and became a member of RES Serbia.

– When I arrived in Serbia five years ago, the very first public event I attended was an RES Serbia cocktail, during the pandemic. Symbolically, my last event is also organized by the Association, which has grown significantly over these five years and has become an influential player in the sector. We have done a lot of work, faced ups and downs, but the renewable energy sector is now stronger than ever. RES Serbia brings together almost all key stakeholders in the sector, which is more necessary today than ever – Colangeli emphasized, adding that he is honored by the recognition he will carry with him to his new office in London.

Association now has more than 60 members

Miloš Colić, Chairman of the RES Serbia Board, thanked Colangeli for his sincere support and partnership over the past five years.

– I believe you remember our first event when we had only a handful of members, and today you can be proud, together with us, of how much the Association has grown and become significant – said Colić.

Danijela Isailović, Manager of RES Serbia, expressed gratitude to the EBRD for its invaluable support, and to Colangeli and his team for excellent communication and cooperation.

– After the initial support we received from former Director Zsuzsanna Hargitai, who also became the first Honorary Member of RES Serbia, there was some concern about how cooperation with the new director would develop. The fact that today we have more than 60 members shows that we have grown and progressed together. That is why I am presenting Matteo with an Honorary Membership card as a symbol of our joint cooperation – Isailović stated.

Ruhe: Impressive results of Serbia’s energy transition

Charlotte Ruhe, EBRD Managing Director for Central and Southeastern Europe, pointed out the impressive results Serbia has achieved in its energy transition in recent years, highlighting the importance and impact of RES Serbia’s initiatives and its members. She emphasized that the EBRD will continue to support the expansion of green energy in Serbia and the region.