Just Transition Policies: Lessons from Europe

This research paper examines the implementation of just transition policies across European regions, focusing on the EU's territorial approach to supporting areas most affected by the shift to a climate-neutral economy. It provides guidance for subnational decision-makers through case studies centered on economic restructuring, worker support, environmental restoration, and governance.

• Effective economic restructuring in coal-dependent regions requires strategic, region-specific planning and the use of regional coordination bodies, such as the ZRR, to manage structural change. While targeted compensation can speed up phase-outs, it must be managed to prevent overpayment, and legitimacy is increased through bottom-up governance and civil society involvement.
• Worker support policies must be tailored to local needs, utilizing early retirement for older workers and retraining for younger workers. Success is tied to aligning training with job market needs and integrating support into broader regional economic development to ensure quality jobs, with the caveat that employers should not shift the financial burden to public funding.
• Environmental restoration should be a central strategy based on the Polluter Pays Principle, utilizing inclusive planning to increase social acceptance and revitalize communities via industrial heritage. These projects can create green jobs and economic diversification, provided there are clear legal frameworks and equitable air quality policies.
• Successful coordination and governance require national strategies to guide regional efforts through multi-level coordination and dedicated institutions, such as Spain's Just Transition Institute. Lasting success depends on stable funding, transparency to build trust, and inclusive governance that engages civil society to ensure social equity.

APA

NewClimate Institute (2025). Just Transition Policies: Lessons from Europe. http://www.newclimate.org/resources/publications/just-transition-policies-lessons-from-europe

Chicago

NewClimate Institute. Just Transition Policies: Lessons from Europe. 2025. http://www.newclimate.org/resources/publications/just-transition-policies-lessons-from-europe.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=NewClimate Institute |title=Just Transition Policies: Lessons from Europe |date=20 May 2025 |url=http://www.newclimate.org/resources/publications/just-transition-policies-lessons-from-europe |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{newclimateinstitute2025just, author = {{NewClimate Institute}}, title = {{Just Transition Policies: Lessons from Europe}}, institution = {NewClimate Institute}, year = {2025}, month = may, url = {http://www.newclimate.org/resources/publications/just-transition-policies-lessons-from-europe}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }