Frequently asked questions
Below is a selection of the most frequently asked questions (FAQ) linked to the Just Transition Platform (JTP).
<p>The JTP is the key tool to help EU Member States and regions unlock support available through the <a href="https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal/finance-and-green-deal/just-transition-mechanism_en">Just Transition Mechanism (JTM)</a>, a key instrument of the European Green Deal to ensure that no one is left behind in Europe’s transition to a climate-neutral continent.</p><p>The Platform provides authorities and stakeholders with the necessary guidance, information and knowledge to access this support and boost Europe’s just transition to a sustainable, climate-neutral economy.</p><p>This <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/just-transition-fund/just-transition-platform_en">web page</a> is your single online access point to information relating to the JTP. It provides links to information about <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/just-transition-fund/just-transition-platform/events_en">JTP events</a>, <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/just-transition-fund/just-transition-platform/supportground_en">technical assistance via JTP Groundwork</a>, knowledge sharing and best practice exchange via <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/just-transition-fund/just-transition-platform/jtpeers-experts-exchange_en">JTPeers Experts and Exchange</a> and the <a href="https://just-transition-experts.ec.europa.eu/jtp-knowledge-hub-home_en">JTP Knowledge Hub</a>, and the <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/just-transition-fund/just-transition-platform/groups_en">JTP Working Groups</a>.</p><p>You can also visit the JTP’s <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/just-transition-fund/just-transition-platform/about_en">About</a> page to find more detailed information about the background to the Platform, including its regulation and funding.</p>
<p>As with other <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/policy/what/investment-policy_en">cohesion policy</a> funds, the Just Transition Fund (JTF) is under shared management. The Commission and each Member State were required to adopt a Partnership Agreement and one or several programmes for the 2021-2027 period.</p><p>As part of their cohesion policy programmes, Member States also had to prepare strategic Territorial Just Transition Plans (TJTPs) identifying the territories eligible for JTF funding (see questions below for more information on TJTPs).</p><p>Following this process, which concluded in 2023, the JTF is now in its implementation phase.</p><p>On the JTP homepage, you can find an <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/just-transition-fund/just-transition-platform_en">interactive map</a> showing the territories included in the approved TJTPs and linking to the respective TJTP for each territory.</p><p>More information about the programmes and TJTPs for each Member State can also be found in their respective announcements on the <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/just-transition-fund/just-transition-platform/news_en">JTP news page</a>.</p><p>National or regional managing authorities are responsible for selecting the projects to be funded in each territory. You can consult the list of current <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/in-your-country/managing-authorities_en">managing authorities</a> and address your specific questions on the application procedures to them directly.</p><p>The JTF is one of three funding pillars of the JTM, the others being a Just Transition Scheme for private investments under the InvestEU programme (2nd Pillar of the JTM), and a public sector loan facility backed by the EU budget (3rd Pillar of the JTM). More information about funding through all three pillars is available on this <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/just-transition-fund/just-transition-platform/opportunities_en">funding opportunities</a> page.</p>
<p>The JTF helps the people and places most affected by the climate transition. It does so by alleviating the transition’s socio-economic impacts, supporting the economic diversification and reconversion of the territories concerned, and helping people to adapt in a changing labour market.</p><p>Other activities can be funded as well, if their contribution to alleviating the impact of the transition is justified in the Territorial Just Transition Plans (TJTPs). This includes research and innovation, energy efficiency and renewable energy, smart and sustainable local mobility, digitalisation, soil regeneration, circular economy and social infrastructure.</p><p>When the investments are not related to the impacts of the transition, the region can consider other funding sources (including the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund or other EU instruments). The scope of activities supported by the JTF is outlined in Article 8 of the <u><a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32021R1056">JTF Regulation</a></u>.</p><p>For more information on what can be funded, please also refer to the Commission’s Staff Working Document on <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/information-sources/publications/communications/2021/the-territorial-just-transition-plans_en">Territorial Just Transition Plans</a>.</p>
<p>In order to unlock and implement JTM resources, Member States were required to prepare strategic <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/information-sources/publications/communications/2021/the-territorial-just-transition-plans_en">TJTPs</a> as part of their cohesion policy programmes.</p><p>The TJTPs include an outline and timeline for the transition process until 2030 and 2050, and identify the eligible territories expected to be most negatively impacted by this transition. They set out the social, economic, and environmental challenges stemming from the phasing out of fossil fuel-related activities or decarbonisation of greenhouse gas-intensive processes or products. Moreover, they describe the types of operations to be funded by the JTF and outline the intended use of Pillars 2 and 3 of the JTM.</p><p>TJTPs were prepared in dialogue with relevant partners and the European Commission, ensuring consistency with the <a href="https://s3platform.jrc.ec.europa.eu/">Smart Specialisation Strategies</a> and <a href="https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/energy-strategy/national-energy-and-climate-plans-necps_en">National Energy and Climate Plans</a>.</p><p>While support with developing TJTPs was provided by <a href="https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/departments-and-executive-agencies/structural-reform-support_en">the Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support (DG REFORM)</a>, the JTP provided knowledge, information and support to enable Member States to draw up TJTPs that reflected their territories’ needs.</p><p>The template for the TJTPs is included in Annex II of the <a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32021R1056">JTF Regulation</a>.</p>
<p>To overcome the major challenges of the transition to a climate-neutral economy, available financial resources need to be focused on those territories that are the hardest hit by the transition to a climate-neutral Europe in 2050, and that need more help than others to adapt to and benefit from the transition.</p><p>The JTF therefore focuses on a limited number of NUTS3 (Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics) regions, or parts of those regions. In consultation with the Commission, Member States determined these eligible JTF territories in their TJTPs. The Commission had previously published its recommendations for the eligible territories per Member State in the <a href="https://commission.europa.eu/publications/2020-european-semester-overview-investment-guidance-just-transition-fund-2021-2027-member-state_en">2020 European Semester Country Reports</a>.</p><p>The JTF supports territories that are heavily dependent on fossil fuels (notably coal, lignite, peat, oil shale, heavy oil and diesel) or on greenhouse gas-intensive industrial activities (such as steel, chemicals, cement or others), where jobs may be lost and industrial processes need to transform. The JTF is not aimed at other greenhouse gas emitting activities, such as agriculture or transport. The European Commission also published a <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/information-sources/publications/communications/2021/the-territorial-just-transition-plans_en">Staff Working Document</a> that provides more information on the overall JTF programming process.</p>
<p>The Just Transition Platform (JTP) has been managing several Working Groups since 2021.</p><p>Through principles of problem-solving, advocacy and stakeholder inclusion, the Working Groups bring together a varied group of stakeholders from all JTF regions (coal and carbon-intensive), with the aim to leave no one behind in the transition process. They provide a forum for strategic exchange on challenges shared by stakeholders involved in the transition process.</p><p>The JTP is currently managing several groups that are supported and facilitated by the JTP Secretariat, managed by an external contractor under the supervision of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO). The Working Groups do not have the status of Commission expert groups.</p><p>Two of these groups, established in 2024 and due to run until 2026, focus on the topics of Stakeholder Engagement and Equal Opportunities. In early 2025 a third group was established, the Working Group on the Future of Just Transition.</p><p>Previously, between 2021 and 2023, the JTP managed four Working Groups. Three of these WGs had a thematic focus on a carbon-intensive sector (Chemicals, Steel, Cement) with the objective of exchanging and developing practical solutions to ensure that the decarbonisation of the respective industry happens in a fair way, leaving no one behind.</p><p>The fourth Working Group on Horizontal Stakeholder Strategy, of cross-cutting nature, focused on the identification and assessment of approaches and good practices to engage all stakeholder groups.</p><p>These Working Groups developed and implemented a series of Actions, leading to various useful <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/just-transition-fund/just-transition-platform/groups-output_en">outputs</a>, including guides, toolkits, and concept, strategy and recommendation papers.</p><p>To find more information on the objectives, activities and members of the Working Groups, please visit this <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/just-transition-fund/just-transition-platform/groups_en">web page</a>.</p>
<p>Members of the JTP Working Groups were selected following public <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/whats-new/tenders-and-grants/calls-for-expressions-of-interest_en">calls for expression of interest</a>.</p><p>Each group has core members who actively shape, steer and perform the work of the group and support actions in the implementation phase.</p><p>A second circle of close observers participates in some of the group’s work on an ad hoc basis and is consulted on a regular basis.</p><p>There is one second circle for those interested in engaging and following the work of the Working Groups on Stakeholder Engagement and Equal Opportunities, and a separate second circle for the Working Group on the Future of Just Transition.</p><p>The JTP Working Groups are not currently accepting applications. However, if you have any questions about the groups, you are welcome to contact <a href="mailto:workinggroups@justtransitionplatform.eu">workinggroups@justtransitionplatform.eu</a>. </p>
<p>To stay up to date with the latest news relating to the JTP, please <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/regio/user-subscriptions/2511/create">subscribe to the JTP newsletter</a> and <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/just-transition-fund/just-transition-platform_en">follow its latest news</a>. You can access past issues of the JTP newsletter in this <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/regio/newsletter-archives/view/service/2511">archive</a>.</p><p>Updates on JTP activities, including announcements of events or new calls for expression of interest, are also posted on the social media channels of DG REGIO. Make sure you follow us on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/european-commission-eu-funds/">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/EUinmyRegion">X</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EUinmyregion">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/euinmyregion/">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/euinmyregion">YouTube</a> to stay up to date.</p><p>You should also keep an eye on the JTP’s <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/just-transition-fund/just-transition-platform/events_en">events listing page</a> and JTP-related opportunities in DG REGIO’s <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/whats-new/tenders-and-grants/calls-for-expressions-of-interest_en">calls for expressions of interest</a>.</p>
<p>The JTP expands and builds on the Initiative for Coal Regions in Transition, which since 2017 has supported coal, peat and oil shale regions across the EU in achieving a just transition through tailored, needs-oriented assistance and capacity-building. The Initiative for Coal Regions in Transition also has a dedicated secretariat. For more information about the initiative, you can visit its <a href="https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/oil-gas-and-coal/eu-coal-regions/initiative-coal-regions-transition_en">web page</a>.</p>
<p>DG REGIO, in close collaboration with all concerned European Commission services, manages the JTP, provides its policy framework and steers the activities carried out by the JTP Secretariat.</p><p>The JTP Secretariat supports the activities of the JTP through a dedicated helpdesk, the organisation of the JTP’s events, communication activities, technical assistance (<a href="https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/just-transition-fund/just-transition-platform/supportground_en">JTP Groundwork</a>), experts and exchange programme (<a href="https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/just-transition-fund/just-transition-platform/jtpeers-experts-exchange_en">JTPeers Experts and Exchange</a>), and knowledge sharing (<a href="https://just-transition-experts.ec.europa.eu/jtp-knowledge-hub-home_en">JTP Knowledge Hub</a>).</p><p>The Secretariat also animates the <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/just-transition-fund/just-transition-platform/groups_en">JTP Working Groups</a> established by the Commission by providing guidance and thematic and logistical support as well as monitoring their activities and progress.</p>
<p>The JTP organises regular <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/just-transition-fund/just-transition-platform/events_en">JTP Conferences</a>, which gather stakeholders from EU coal, peat, shale oil and carbon-intensive regions to discuss various transition challenges and opportunities.</p><p>These events deliver a range of thematic sessions and networking options, enabling exchange and interaction between Member States, local and regional authorities, non-governmental organisations, business and social partners and EU institutions to learn from one another in the journey towards a just transition to a climate-neutral Europe.</p><p>The JTP Conferences feature presentations, lessons learnt and updates on the progress of JTF implementation. They also include sessions on other relevant themes, for example the decarbonisation of regional economies through green hydrogen and circular economy solutions, the importance of reskilling and future-proofing jobs, and the role of women and youth in the transition.</p><p>As part of JTP Groundwork, the JTP also organises large-scale technical knowledge sharing events in JTF regions, known as Technical Regional Forums (TRFs). This event series provides space for expert exchange and networking on a specific topic around JTF implementation in European regions.</p><p>The TRFs are hosted by regions benefitting from the JTP Groundwork technical assistance and convene stakeholders from neighbouring regions as well as selected regions facing similar challenges.</p><p>The event format is highly interactive and combines panels, hands-on workshops, and a site visit, with aim of gathering about 120 participants to exchange on the selected specific topic. The first three TRFs focused on topics spanning: the role of IT sector in the Just Transition in Croatia, upscaling renewables in Polish JTF regions and attracting and training workers in uncertain times, in Sweden.</p><p>JTP events that are open to join are posted on the JTP <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/just-transition-fund/just-transition-platform/events_en">events listing page</a> and promoted via the JTP <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/just-transition-fund/just-transition-platform/news_en">news page</a> and social media. Following these events, relevant outcomes and takeaways are often shared on the JTP news page and newsletter.</p><p>Where appropriate, event reports or presentation materials may also be published on the respective event page (accessible via the events listing page) and the event recordings may be published on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/euinmyregion">YouTube</a> (in the case of virtual or hybrid events).</p>
<p><a href="https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/just-transition-fund/just-transition-platform/supportground_en">JTP Groundwork</a> runs regular calls for applications for eligible JTF territories to receive support with the implementation of their Territorial Just Transition Plans.</p><p>New calls for applications are published online in DG REGIO’s <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/whats-new/tenders-and-grants/calls-for-expressions-of-interest_en">calls for expressions of interest</a>, at least once per year. For more information, please refer to the Groundwork calls <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/whats-new/tenders-and-grants/calls-for-expressions-of-interest/JTP_Spring_2025/JTP_Groundwork_FAQ_Spring_2025_final.pdf">FAQ</a>. In case of additional questions or if you are unable to meet the published deadline for applications, please contact the JTP Groundwork team directly: <a href="mailto:jtpgroundwork@justtransitionplatform.eu">jtpgroundwork@justtransitionplatform.eu.</a></p>
<p>The <a href="https://just-transition-experts.ec.europa.eu/index_en">JTPeers Experts Database</a> is a publicly available database providing access to a broad pool of professionals specialising in a variety of just transition topics relevant for EU regions.</p><p>Users can filter the experts by topics of expertise, language, and country of residence. Once you have found the most suitable expert, you can contact them via the provided contact form.</p><p>Please note that it is entirely up to the expert to respond to your request. However, the JTPeers team is notified that an expert has been contacted and by whom. If an expert does not respond, you can reach out to the JTPeers <a href="mailto:jtpeers@justtransitionplatform.eu">support team</a>.</p><p>For more information on how to contact an expert, you can consult this specific <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/whats-new/tenders-and-grants/calls-for-expressions-of-interest/jtp-peers-exchange202306/JTPeers_Experts_FAQL.pdf">JTPeers Experts FAQ</a>.</p>
<p>By being listed in the JTPeers Experts Database, experts enjoy numerous benefits that enhance their professional profile and contribute to the advancement of just transition initiatives.</p><p>To apply to be listed on the JTPeers Experts Database, you must apply to one of its calls for applications. These calls provide a structured process for submitting applications and assessing the qualifications of experts.</p><p>New calls for applications are published online in DG REGIO’s <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/whats-new/tenders-and-grants/calls-for-expressions-of-interest_en">calls for expressions of interest</a>.</p>
<p>The JTPeers Exchange programme facilitates co-learning between JTF regions via two types of exchange: region-to-region exchanges, which take place between two or three JTF regions, and expert-to-region exchanges, which take place between a just transition expert from the JTPeers Experts Database and JTF region.</p><p>JTPeers Exchange is available to JTF regions from all 27 EU Member States. Participants may represent: local, regional, or national public authorities; civil society, NGOs, CSOs, trade unions or similar associations; development, innovation, energy, or similar agencies; research organisations or universities; or businesses, SMEs, or related associations.</p><p>For more information about JTPeers, please contact <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/just-transition-fund/just-transition-platform/jtpeers-experts-exchange_en#inline-nav-3">visit our webpage</a> or contact <a href="mailto:JTPeers@justtransitionplatform.eu">JTPeers@justtransitionplatform.eu</a>.</p>
<p>The JTP Knowledge Hub provides tangible case studies, toolkits, and catalogues on just transition good practices for practitioners and stakeholders supporting Europe’s just transition to a climate-neutral economy.</p><p>For more information about the JTP Knowledge Hub, visit our <a href="https://just-transition-experts.ec.europa.eu/jtp-knowledge-hub-home_en">landing page</a>. To access the wide range of knowledge available on the JTP Knowledge Hub, you can navigate directly to our <a href="https://just-transition-experts.ec.europa.eu/find-knowledge_en">listing page</a>.</p>
Helpdesk
Should you be unable to find an answer to your question on this page, you are welcome to contact us at the following email address and a member of the Just Transition Platform Secretariat will respond to you (in English):
You might also find it useful to consult our general