Context
The Multi-level Dialogue on Just Transition is a recurring event that is hosted by the European Committee of the Regions and organised in cooperation with the European Commission. The aim of the Dialogue is to promote exchange between the different levels of governance in the process of just transition throughout Europe. Participants to these Dialogues can for example come from civil society, local and regional authorities (such as city council members, mayors, governors, regional parliament members, …), national level government, European Commission, European Parliament and Council. The European Union has to make the most out of the Just Transition Fund, and the participation of cities and regions is of key importance to its success.
The plans of the European Union to cut greenhouse gas emissions and achieve climate neutrality require a socio-economic transformation, especially in regions relying heavily on fossil fuels and carbon-intensive industries. In this context, the local and regional representatives and guests from all parts of Europe will share their experiences and recommendations, to help in addressing current challenges and define the future shape of the policy.
The event will take place in Brussels, room JDE 52 of the European Committee of the Regions, and ONLINE on 23 October 2023 from 14:30 till 17:30.
Structure of the event
After the welcome by the moderator, a keynote presentation of the Report on "Implications of the climate transition on employment, skills and training in Belgium" is foreseen. This presentation will provide concrete examples of several challenges faced by a European Union Member State in moving towards a successful just transition. Afterwards, the Multi-level Dialogue on Just Transition will start and focus on specific challenges that are impeding a swift implementation of the Just Transition Mechanism. After the coffee break, the Multi-level Dialogue on Just Transition will continue and focus on how multi-level governance and the partnership approach are working in various European Union Member States. When time allows the floor will be opened for questions by the audience. The event will end with a short summary of conclusions, provided by the moderator. The indicative timing for each step of the event can be found in the agenda at the end of this document.
Agenda
14:15 audience can enter the room
14:30 Welcome
- Michael COLLINS - Moderator, Deputy-Director for Legislative Works at European Committee of the Regions
14:40 Keynote presentation: Report on "Implications of the climate transition on employment, skills and training in Belgium"
- Quentin JOSSEN - Climact, co-author of report
- Ella HUYS - Representative from Climate Change Section - Foresight & Transversal Policy - Belgian Federal Government
14:55 Discussion: Implementation of the Just Transition Mechanism
- Jakub CHELSTOWSKI (PL/EPP) - Governor of Silesian Region, Poland, alternate member CoR
- Florin Tiberiu IACOB-RIDZI (RO/EPP) - Mayor of Petroșani Municipality, Romania, alternate member CoR
- Miłosława STEPIEN - CEE Bankwatch Network
- Wolfgang MUNCH - Deputy Head of Unit at DG REGIO, European Commission
- Frank SIEBERN-THOMAS – Head of Unit at DG EMPL, European Commission
15:55 Coffee break
16:20 Discussion continued: Multi-level governance and partnership approach in action
**Discussion continues with same speakers as above**
17:20 Conclusions
17:30 End of event