Context
The Multi-Level Dialogue on Just Transition (MLD) is a recurring event that is hosted by the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and organised in cooperation with the European Commission (EC). Its aim is to promote exchange between the different levels of governance in the process of Just Transition in Europe. Participants 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 Just Transition Mechanism was firmly embedded in the EU policy and funding framework for 2021-2027 and is supporting many regions needing to make the largest adjustments in view of the green transition. However, 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 over the European Union will share their experiences and recommendations, to help in addressing current challenges and defining the future shape of the policy.
The event will take place in Brussels, room JDE 51 of the European Committee of the Regions, and ONLINE on 3 December 2026 from 14:30 till 17:00. To participate, please register. 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, the Multi-Level Dialogue on Just Transition will open with a keynote presentation by Gustė Gurčinaitė (University of Oxford), providing a research-based framing of how different policy communities approach just transition and where key divergences and convergence points can be identified. This will be followed by a first panel entitled Strengthening just transition throughout different EU policies – taking stock, bringing together representatives from the European Commission (DG REGIO, DG EMPL, DG GROW, DG ENER) to present the state of play in their respective policy domains. After the coffee break, the Dialogue will continue with a second panel entitled Just transition perspectives for the next Multiannual Financial Framework, focusing on political and institutional pathways to ensure synergies and an integrated approach in the context of the post-2027 MFF. During each panel, the floor will be opened for questions and interventions by the audience. The event will conclude with a short summary of key messages 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 1: Strengthening just transition throughout different EU policies – taking stock
This panel will explore how the concept of just transition is understood, framed and operationalised across different EU policy areas, including territorial cohesion, employment and skills, energy and industrial policy.
Guiding questions for this first panel are:
- How is the concept of just transition understood, framed and operationalised within your respective policy domain?
- What are the main challenges you seek to address when referring to just transition (e.g. social impacts, industrial transformation, regional disparities, energy affordability, climate concerns,…)?
Panel 2: Just transition perspectives for the next Multiannual Financial Framework
Building on the complementary perspectives presented in the first panel, this discussion will focus on how synergies and an integrated approach to just transition can be ensured across EU policies and instruments, particularly in the context of the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework.
Guiding questions for this second panel are:
- What are the main opportunities you see for achieving greater synergies between the various policy approaches to just transition?
- What elements should be prioritised in the post-2027 MFF to ensure an integrated approach to just transition?
We will expect you in Brussels, room JDE 51 of the European Committee of the Regions, and ONLINE on 3 December 2026 from 14:30 till 17:00. You can indicate your choices and propose questions to the panellists. Interactive participation during the event is expected and encouraged!
Active interpretation will be available in EN, DE, ES, IT, PL
*Please note that there is no reimbursement foreseen for participation in this event.