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 plans of the European Union to cut greenhouse gas emissions and achieve climate neutrality require a socio-economic transition. The effects of this transition are very widespread, but most acutely felt in regions relying heavily on fossil fuels and carbon-intensive industries. Initiatives are under way to support the most affected regions, but a lot of work still remains to be done and these challenges will continue beyond 2027. In this context, local and regional representatives and guests from all parts and levels of the European Union 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 17 October 2024 from 14:30 till 17:00. To participate, please register here. You can indicate your choices and propose questions to the panellists. Interactive participation during the event is expected and encouraged!
Structure of the event
After the welcome by the moderator, a keynote presentation of the CoR opinion "A Just Transition for all EU regions" by Rapporteur Marco Marsilio (IT/ECR) is foreseen. Afterwards, the first panel of the Multi-level Dialogue on Just Transition entitled "Identifying and Prioritising Areas for Just Transition Funding: Key Needs and Strategies" will start. After the coffee break, the Multi-level Dialogue on Just Transition will continue with its second panel entitled "Just Transition within the Current and Upcoming Legislative Framework".
During each panel the floor will be opened for questions/interventions 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.
Panel: Identifying and Prioritising Areas for Just Transition Funding: Key Needs and Strategy
Just Transition as a concept has become more important in recent years as a means to support communities and its citizens who are impacted by the shift towards a green and climate-neutral economy. Activities related to Just Transition are steadily increasing and it is essential to ensure that these are successful in achieving their goals.
This panel will explore how to identify the areas where just transition funding is most needed and how to strategically allocate these resources to maximize impact. Panellists will delve into the criteria and methodologies for prioritising funding, taking into account the needs of communities, industries, and workers who may be adversely affected by the transition.
The conversation will also highlight successful case studies and good practices from various regions, providing insights into effective strategies and potential pitfalls. By examining these elements, the panel aims to develop a better understanding of how to ensure that just transition funding support is used in the most effective and efficient way.
Guiding questions for this first panel are:
- What criteria/parameters/indicators should be used to determine which regions are most in need of just transition funding, and how can we ensure these criteria take into account both immediate and long-term needs?
- What could be the role of the European Fair Transition Observatory, other regional just/fair transition observatories or territorial impact assessments?
- How can policymakers and funding bodies effectively collaborate with local communities and industries to identify priorities and allocate resources in a way that fosters inclusivity and equity?
- Are there particular criteria/parameters/indicators that could indicate a higher chance of success or impact for just transition funding?
- What are some successful examples of just transition funding in action, and what lessons can be learned from these cases to inform future funding strategies?
Panel: Just Transition within the Current and Upcoming Legislative Framework
During this second panel, the participants will focus on how just transition is already embedded in the current legislative framework as well as on how it could be integrated in upcoming legislation such as a post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework or future Cohesion Policy. By addressing both current and future legislative landscapes, the panel seeks to offer actionable insights and recommendations for creating a more integrated and comprehensive approach to a just transition.
Guiding questions for this second panel are:
- Which elements/aspects of just transition in the current legislative framework have proven useful and should be integrated in upcoming legislation? (place-based approach, Territorial Just Transition Plans, shared management, partnership,…)
- Are there any major gaps related to just transition that need to be addressed in upcoming legislation?
- How should new legislation be designed to ensure support for the people and places that are most vulnerable to the impacts of the transition?
- How would you see the role of just transition in future legislation, as a general guiding principle, specific legislation, a subsection integrated in other legislation or…?
- How can stakeholders—including governments, businesses, and civil society— work together to influence the development of legislation in a way that promotes a just transition and what are some successful examples of such cooperation?