Apply now! exchangeEU to connect coal+ regions in transition in the EU

Coal, lignite, peat and oil shale (“coal+”) regions in the EU are invited to join the exchangeEU programme to accelerate a just energy transition on the ground. The European Commission launched the programme to complement existing activities of its Coal Regions in Transition initiative.

The exchangeEU programme matches stakeholders from coal+ regions in the EU to connect and deepen their understanding of each other’s challenges around the transition process, to share insights and create unique opportunities for dialogue, cooperation, peer-to-peer learning and networking.

Interested regions are invited to apply as an individual region or as a pre-defined pair. The call for applications was launched at the Just Transition Platform Meeting on 15 November 2021 and will run until 14 January 2022. If you are interested in identifying a region to apply jointly with, register here by 6 December for our pre-matchmaking session in Zoom on 10 December, 10:00-12:00.

Watch the video and visit the website to learn more about exchangeEU and how to apply.

Programme benefits

The regions participating in the exchangeEU programme will benefit from innovative and customized solutions, hands-on learning opportunities, and tangible results to take meaningful actions together.

exchangeEU sets out to establish meaningful and tangible exchanges between coal+ regions and aims to produce demonstrable long-term learnings and benefits. The programme strives to create a community and network of practitioners with a lasting impact through a demand-driven programme design tailored to the needs of the participating regions.

The exchanges are designed to build a foundation on which the participating regions can establish ongoing cooperation in order to foster a just energy transition.

About exchangeEU

While exchangeEU primarily addresses local and regional authorities, all active stakeholders driving the transition process, including energy agencies, trade unions, (business) associations, NGOs, companies and academic institutions are invited to participate. Whether you are just beginning your transition journey or are more advanced in the process, we encourage you to apply and help leverage the unique learnings of your region and become part of a Europe-wide community of practitioners and active stakeholders in the transition. If one or more regions are already a good match, we encourage these regions to submit a joint application.

Matching regions

A region will be selected based on how well its profile aligns with a potential partner region, as opposed to its individual qualifications for the process. The application process will allow for the selection of suitable formats and suggestions of new formats in order to address the needs and requirements of the participants. Possible exchange formats envisioned include group workshops and peer-to-peer learning, both of which emphasise cooperation, knowledge transfer, and network-building. Additionally, we encourage regions to develop their own exchange format to meet their specific needs and create innovative approaches for joint learning and peer-to-peer encounters.

It is important to incorporate the learnings of the exchange in the regional transition process and to show commitment to the programme. If the applicant is not a local or regional public authority, they should demonstrate meaningful support and intended involvement from relevant public authorities through a Letter of Support.

More information

If you have further questions regarding the exchangeEU programme, please reach out to our helpdesk at exchangeEU@coalregions.eu.

exchangeEU is implemented by Guidehouse, ifok, ICLEI and Wuppertal Institute.