The fifth edition of the Just Transition Platform Meeting – Coal Regions in Transition virtual week and Carbon-intensive regions seminars took place on 10-12 May.
- 18 May 2022
Over 1,300 people registered for the event, with thematic sessions attended by hundreds of participants. They represented stakeholders such as trade unions, non-governmental organisations, businesses, and EU, national, local and regional-level authorities, from coal and carbon-intensive regions across Europe that will receive support from the Just Transition Mechanism.
Opening the event, Director-General for Regional and Urban Policy Marc Lemaître reiterated the need for more and faster climate action and highlighted the EU’s response to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and related energy crisis through REPowerEU.
“A focus on a just transition for all parts of Europe is more crucial than ever. Territorial Just Transition Plans (TJTPs) must have focus on people and skills and must involve and embrace all, not only at design stage, but also soon in implementation,” Lemaître said.
Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson stressed that Europe will not deviate from its climate targets, but that we need to ensure a future for people living in coal and carbon-intensive regions.
Spotlight on people and youth
Alongside the energy crisis and environmental issues such as circular economy and peatland restoration, discussions focused heavily on people, including communication, skills, jobs, and the role of youth.
Speaking at the Power of Youth panel discussion on Thursday 12 May, Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira said: “We have the instruments, thought, vision; now we need to do it, and for this new need you – we need young people to be engaged. […] It is bottom up, it is you who have to be the actors of change in your region.”
Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights Nicolas Schmit also joined youth representatives on the panel. “It’s essential to listen to young people throughout these transitions and to make sure the regions offer them opportunities,” Commissioner Schmit said.
Cause for optimism – stakeholder involvement key
In this latest edition of the JTP Meeting, the focus shifted towards implementation, concrete opportunities and practical solutions. The four JTP Working Groups provided updates on their work since forming in November, including focus areas identified in their scoping phase.
The event took place in the difficult context of the war in Ukraine, related humanitarian and energy security crises, and the ongoing effects of the pandemic. Despite these challenges, the discussions showed there is cause for optimism, as the preparation of the TJTPs accelerates and territories move into the implementation phase.
“There is no magical wand for all challenges. All stakeholders – including trade unions, youth, NGOs – need to take ownership and create a new dynamic in the region,” said Myriam Bovéda, Team Leader in DG REGIO, in the closing session, adding that support through the JTP will continue to be expanded to include technical assistance on the ground.
Find out more
If you want to rewatch the sessions, video recordings should be available on Swapcard later this week. Materials will also be uploaded on the newly launched JTP website.
The next JTP Meeting will take place in autumn 2022 and will again involve all stakeholders, including youth and trade unions.
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