The JT-OBSERVATORY is a research project that aims to analyze and evaluate the governance of just energy transition in coal-dependent regions of Greece, Poland, and Bulgaria. It seeks to assess the effectiveness and fairness of transition policies and highlight spatial inequalities and place-based governance mechanisms in the shift toward a low-carbon economy.
The climate crisis imposes significant demands on governance structures, requiring new models that integrate stakeholder engagement, spatial justice, and inclusivity. The transition to a sustainable economy is a complex, multi-level process that affects regions and communities differently. The project investigates how transition policies impact different territories and populations, emphasizing the need for locally tailored approaches.
The JT-OBSERVATORY focuses on three key case studies involving coal-dependent regions in Europe:
- Western Macedonia (Greece)
- Stara Zagora (Bulgaria)
- Silesia (Poland)
These regions face major challenges related to decarbonization, socio-economic restructuring, and local disparities. Through comparative analysis, the project evaluates how the transition can be made more just, efficient, and aligned with the specific needs of local communities.
At the heart of the project is the Just Transition Observatory, an innovative monitoring and assessment mechanism at the local level. The Observatory:
- Monitors the impacts of transition through predefined indicators covering society, economy, environment, and energy poverty.
- Enhances participation by engaging citizens, stakeholders, and policymakers through consultation and co-creation processes.
- Develops policy recommendations based on scientific evidence to promote social cohesion and sustainable development in transitioning regions.
The project’s core hypothesis is that an independent Just Transition Observatory at the local/regional level can positively contribute to spatial justice, governance improvements, and the development of effective, fair transition policies.