Alexandros Koutras holds a MSc in Human Geography with specialization in Conflicts, Territories, & Identities from Radboud University (Netherlands) and a scholarship from John S. Latsis Foundation. He completed his studies in Geography (Harokopio University of Athens) and a partial scholarship from the Greek State Scholarships Foundation. He has conducted insightful fieldwork research in the Western Balkans regarding nationalism, as well as the South Caucasus covering the second Nagorno Karabakh War (2020). In parallel, he worked as a student assistant in Radboud University, and in various internships in Greece, the Czech Republic and Armenia. Both professionally and voluntarily he has been engaged in NGOs (Greenpeace and the Greek Forum of Migrants) and as a trainee researcher at the Centre for Russia, Eurasia, and South-Eastern Europe of the Institute of International Relations (Athens). He is native in Greek and Albanian, and speakes English, Russian and a bit of Turkish and Spanish.

Policy Project: No One Left Behind: Including Vulnerable Groups in Kosovo's Energy Plans

Kosovo's energy transition, outlined in the National Energy Strategy and Climate Plan, aims to decarbonize the economy, increase energy efficiency, and promote renewable energy. Yet, the current policies do not adequately address the inclusion of vulnerable groups, such as low-income households, rural communities, and minority populations, while a concrete definition is not in place. Without targeted interventions, these groups risk being left behind in the energy transition, exacerbating energy poverty and inequality. This project seeks to identify and address the gaps in existing policies by developing recommendations that ensure equitable access for vulnerable groups so that no one is left behind. By engaging stakeholders and gathering insights, the project aims to create a more inclusive energy transition that benefits all citizens, particularly those most at risk of marginalization.