On February 27, 2024, the Just Transition Observatory (JT-OBSERVATORY) officially launched with a dynamic kick-off meeting, marking the beginning of an ambitious research initiative aimed at assessing and enhancing governance models for a fair energy transition in coal regions across Europe.
Led by Principal Investigator Dr. Lefteris Topaloglou, the project brings together esteemed institutions, including the Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Stara Zagora Regional Economic Development Agency, Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH), and the University of Thessaly. The consortium unites expertise across multiple disciplines, including Physical Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Technology, Environment, and Energy.
During the inaugural meeting, key discussions centered on the interplay between spatial justice, place-based governance, and the European Green Deal objectives. The project aims to examine the governance mechanisms of the transition in three major coal regions: Western Macedonia (Greece), Stara Zagora (Bulgaria), and Silesia (Poland). A core focus is on evaluating whether these governance models effectively support spatial justice and the equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.
JT-OBSERVATORY is committed to fostering multilevel governance and innovative business models that drive a net-zero economy. By integrating a monitoring and evaluation mechanism, the project seeks to provide data-driven insights that will empower policymakers, local stakeholders, and communities to navigate the challenges of decarbonization in a fair and inclusive manner.
As we move forward, the significance of just transition policies cannot be overstated. Ensuring that the costs and benefits of decarbonization are fairly distributed is crucial for societal cohesion and sustainable economic growth. The project’s findings will contribute to shaping effective governance strategies that align with regional development needs, ultimately leading to a resilient and socially just green economy.
Stay tuned for more updates as JT-OBSERVATORY advances toward a more sustainable future!
