The Just Transition Platform Conference returned to Brussels from 25-27 April for its 7th edition! The event was held at the Renaissance Brussels Hotel with the possibility to follow along online.
The conference, organised by DG REGIO and DG ENER, was an opportunity to share views and experiences on the Just Transition process among stakeholders from national, local, and regional authorities, as well as economic and social partners and representatives of the European Commission, including the Commissioner for the Internal Market, Thierry Breton, the Commissioner for Cohesion and Reform, Elisa Ferreira, and the Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson.
What happened at the conference?
The conference brought together representatives from EU regions benefiting from the Just Transition Fund (JTF) to discuss the impact of climate transition on the most affected communities and how they can turn it into new opportunities in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal. Elisa Ferreira, European Commissioner for Regional Policy, opened the conference, which then continued with the various scheduled sessions. Many topics were covered, such as energy security, the international dimension of the Just Transition, effective governance mechanisms for monitoring and implementing the Just Transition, and technical assistance available to support stakeholders on the ground. There have also been discussed the objectives included in the Just Transition Territorial Plans and the opportunities that the Just Transition Fund has created in the regions, including for strategically important industries. On 25 and 26 April, several thematic panels and round tables were held at the Renaissance Brussels Hotel:
- JTF hands-on: roundtable discussion with Commissioner Ferreira and regional representatives
- Opportunities for strategic industries in JTF regions
- Just transition in times of energy crisis: how to guarantee energy security for all
- Just transition implementation and monitoring – how to do it right?
- JTP Working Groups: supporting the implementation of the TJTPs
- International dimension of just transition and closing remarks
- Side event: JTP – how can we help you on the ground?
On 27 April, the Committee of the Regions hosted a multilevel dialogue on the just transition, with the focus being on greenhouse gas emission reduction and climate neutrality.
What is the Just Transition Fund?
The Just Transition Fund is a financial instrument within the framework of cohesion policy, which aims to provide support to territories facing serious socio-economic challenges resulting from the transition to climate neutrality. The Fund is intended to ensure that the achievement of the ambitious climate targets undertaken as part of the European Green Deal is done fairly and leaves no one behind.
What is the Just Transition Platform?
Established in 2020, the Just Transition Platform (JTP) is the key instrument to help EU Member States and regions unlock the funds and support available through the Just Transition Mechanism (JTM). The platform ensures that all stakeholders have the necessary guidance, information and knowledge to support Europe’s just transition to a sustainable and climate-neutral economy. The JTP provides technical assistance and advice and also promotes knowledge sharing and exchange of best practices with a wide range of stakeholders, particularly in regions dependent on fossil fuels or carbon-intensive industries. The JTP regularly organises events for all stakeholders and allows financial actors, social partners, business representatives, youth organisations and transition experts to discuss the needs and challenges of the just transition.