Today, the 8th edition of the Just Transition Platform Conference kicks-off in Brussels. The Conference is an opportunity to share views and experiences on the just transition, focusing on the implementation process and taking stock of achievements so far.
- 23 October 2023
The Conference will gather more than 1,000 Just Transition specialists. They will discuss the empowerment of vulnerable groups in the Just Transition process, energy storage, the role of universities in the transition, and how communication can help to make it more just.
Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira, who will deliver a keynote speech during the conference, said: “People and communities are not only at the centre of the Just Transition, but they are the true essence of the Just Transition Platform. We are here to listen to their aspirations and give them the necessary tools to turn these aspirations into reality! I am happy to host this 8th Just Transition Platform Conference to discuss how we can best manage the green transition to ensure that we leave no one and no region behind.”
Executive Vice-President for European Green Deal, Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight Maroš Šefčovič, who will deliver a video message during the Conference, said: “The Just Transition Platform has become the main meeting place for stakeholders from all the regions supported by the Just Transition Fund, which aims to support the people and communities most affected by the green transition. An approach based on territories is the way to go, both now and in the future, to ensure that the green transition succeeds. And as we know, if it does not succeed fairly, it does not succeed at all.”
The Commission set up the Just Transition Platform to help EU countries and regions unlock the support available through the Just Transition Fund (JTF) and the Just Transition Mechanism (JTM). For the territories most affected by the transition towards climate neutrality, the JTF and the JTM are tools to help limit regional inequalities on the ground, in line with the EU Cohesion Policy’s overall aim of addressing structural changes across the EU. The JTF provides €19.2 billion to these regions as they make the green transition. Together with the other components of the Just Transition Mechanism, the aim is to mobilise up to €55 billion for the support of just transition regions.
All sessions part of this year’s conference can be followed online, with more details on registration and the programme available here.