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CMS partners Munir Hassan and Thomas Hamerl emphasized the investment potential in renewable energy and battery storage in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) during the CEE Energy Conference 2025. They noted that interconnection with the EU's electricity market will enhance the region's appeal to investors.

Key factors influencing investment decisions include policy direction, project scalability, and legal advisory expertise. Countries like Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria are advancing nuclear projects, while Slovenia, Croatia, and Austria are seeing data center developments.

The European Union's Modernization Fund is crucial for attracting private investment. Regulatory frameworks are improving, with Serbia set to launch an ancillary services market in January 2026. Solar and wind capacities are expected to grow significantly in Montenegro and Croatia, while Bulgaria's PV capacity surged to 5 GW. Investors prioritize legal clarity, grid stability, and timely permitting in their decision-making.