Just Transition Platform

The Just Transition Platform (JTP) has launched a call for applications for new comprehensive technical assistance: JTP GROUNDWORK. It aims to support eligible Just Transition Fund (JTF) territories in implementing their Territorial Just Transition Plans (TJTPs).

Here are all the key details on the call:

• Who can apply: Eligible JTF territories with a TJTP already approved by the Commission, especially municipalities, regional authorities and socio-economic partners which are actively contributing to the just transition process at regional, local, or community levels.
• What types of support services will be provided: Technical assistance focusing on implementing TJTPs on the ground. You can find an overview of potential services in the call text. After selecting the beneficiaries, JTP GROUNDWORK, the Commission and the beneficiaries will jointly define the scope and type of support needed in a tailor-made fashion.
• What is expected from the beneficiaries: ‘Co-creation’ represents a core principle of JTP GROUNDWORK support. Therefore, it is vital that beneficiaries ensure that they can make adequate resources and time available to enable effective joint work. The technical assistance also includes the organisation of one event per selected applicant.
• How and when to apply: The call launched on 6 February 2023. Please apply via EUSurvey. The deadline for submission is 28 February 2023 at 23:00 CET.

For more information:

• Read this news article
• Consult these frequently asked questions
• Contact JTP GROUNDWORK directly: jtpgroundwork@justtransitionplatform.eu

We are pleased to announce that the seventh edition of the JTP Conference will take place in hybrid format in Brussels on 25–27 April 2023. Registrations are due to open later in February.

The event will be co-hosted by the Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO) and the Directorate-General for Energy (DG ENER). The importance of the implementation of just transition will be highlighted by the presence of Commissioners: Thierry Breton, Elisa Ferreira and Kadri Simson. The conference will also include the Multi-level Dialogue organised by the European Committee of the Regions.

The main conference on Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 April will gather just transition stakeholders to take stock of JTF implementation and engage in various thematic discussions. Thursday 27 April will feature meetings of the JTP Working Groups and a multi-level dialogue organised by the Committee of the Regions.

Keep an eye on the JTP website and DG REGIO’s Twitter and Facebook for further updates about the event and how to register. If you are interested in catching up on the previous conference, which took place in October 2022, you can view all sessions here and read the report and presentations here.

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The JTP Working Group on Horizontal Stakeholder Strategy has launched a survey on the topic of ‘Communicating and raising awareness about just transition at the local level’.

The survey is aimed at just transition stakeholders, including but not limited to local and regional authorities, civil society organisations, businesses, associations and trade unions. All stakeholders are strongly encouraged to respond, to help provide an accurate picture of their experience with and needs for just transition communication and to ensure that there is a common understanding of the transition process within the EU.

Your responses will provide valuable input to the Horizontal Working Group, which aims to develop guidelines for just transition communication as well as best practice examples of successful communication in the transition process and the implementation of TJTPs. The survey is available in all EU languages.

In order to contribute, please fill out and submit the online survey by Friday 17 March 2023.

To support coal+ regions facing the challenge of decarbonisation of fossil fuel-based district heating systems, the Initiative for Coal Regions in Transition’s Secretariat is setting up a Working Group to share experiences and identify technical options to facilitate the transition to non-fossil fuel alternatives. Members of the Working Group will have the opportunity to enter into dialogue with regions, municipalities, and experts from industry and academia. Applications should be submitted to the Secretariat by close of business (CET) on Friday 24 February 2023. Please consult the application guidelines to find more information and apply to become a member of this Working Group.

On 1 February, the Commission presented its Green Deal Industrial Plan. The plan will enhance the competitiveness of Europe's net-zero industry by scaling up manufacturing capacity for net-zero technologies and products.

Floating solar park in Dessel, Belgium (© European Union, 2021; Source)

The plan reiterates the Commission’s commitment to supporting the fast transition to climate neutrality and the important role of the JTF in this process:

• The plan references the €100 billion available for the green transition via Cohesion Policy, including the JTF. The Commission will facilitate cohesion investments supporting the plan, e.g. through reimbursement schemes for energy efficiency and renewable projects.
• It refers to Cohesion Policy as the main EU instrument to support investments in skills, including via the European Social Fund +, the European Regional Development Fund, and the JTF’s €3 billion to support training and skills of workers to adapt to the green transition.
• It also commits to further supporting this process: “The Commission stands ready to support industry and society in its transition towards sustainability, promoting investments in new technologies and providing funding where possible and necessary. Investments in a skilled population require training and education to be a crucial part of our future.”

If you are interested in learning more, you can read about the plan here.

Our knowledge repository is an online hub of useful knowledge on the transition to a climate-neutral economy. You will find there information sheets that can provide interesting reading for just transition stakeholders. These include policy approaches at national, regional or local level and examples of individual projects, including regional or local projects across the EU’s public and private sectors. You will also find a list of relevant sources, including studies and databases. We recently published a second batch of information sheets, so make sure you take a look.

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