Energy in Europe and Central Asia: A Sector Strategy for the World Bank Group (World Bank Discussion Papers, 393)

This report outlines a strategy that maximizes the impact of World Bank Group activities on development of the energy sector in the Europe and Central Asia region in the period 1998-2001. Four main objectives underlie the energy strategy in the region: 1) assisting governments to protect the public interest through improved regulatory regimes, demonopolization, better environmental performance, and transformation of the energy sector from a net user to a net provider of budgetary resources while maintaining/restoring its liquidity; 2) supporting economic transition through the financing of rehabilitation and strengthening of energy supply facilities where other sources of financing are not (yet) available, and mitigating the negative social impact of sector restructuring; 3) facilitating private investments to improve the quality of energy services, and, through guarantees, B loans, and other financial instruments, increase the efficiency and reduce the cost of energy production and consumption; and 4) promoting regional initiatives to increase energy trade and facilitate the sharing of information and experience among countries in the region.