European Commission – DG Regional & Urban Policy
2024
Ecorys, Wuppertal Institut
Climate neutrality is the long-term goal of the EU. The European Green Deal sets out the objectives: the EU aims to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050 and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 percent by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. The profound transformation in the economy, industry, and society poses significant and diverse challenges for EU countries and regions.
To support a balanced and just transition to climate neutrality, which includes both equality and shared prosperity, the EU has introduced the Just Transition Mechanism (JTM). This mechanism ensures that the transition to a climate-neutral economy is conducted in a fair manner and that no region is left behind. It provides targeted support to mobilise around €55 billion between 2021 and 2027 to mitigate the socio-economic impacts of the transition in the most affected regions.
As part of the JTM, the Just Transition Platform (JTP) has been established. The platform assists EU countries and regions in transitioning to a sustainable economy. It serves as a central point of contact and knowledge platform. In collaboration with Ecorys (lead) and the Wuppertal Institute, Prognos has supported the Directorate-General Regional and Urban Policy of the European Commission in managing the platform.
Some regions, industries, and workers are more affected by the transition to a green economy than others. How can the transition to a sustainable, low-emission economy be navigated effectively while ensuring that no region or individual is left behind? The JTP is the European Commission's key tool to help member states and regions unlock the support through the JTM. It serves as a central hub for support and knowledge on Europe's path towards a sustainable, climate-neutral future. Prognos supported the JTP by providing expertise and analyses.
Compilation of good practices
Delving deep into a wealth of initiatives and policies, Prognos contributed to meticulously compiling a repository of success stories, project examples, and case studies on just transition from across the globe. These insights provide valuable guidance into effective policy approaches and initiatives on just transition in each EU region.
Targeted analyses provide guidance
Based on expertise and data-based insights, we provided tailored analytical support to the European Commission, individual member states, and carbon-intensive industries such as the chemical, steel, or cement industry. The scientific analyses assessed the economic impacts, challenges, and opportunities of industrial transformation and provided evidence-based recommendations to decision-makers.
Working groups enable knowledge exchange
Prognos also took over the leadership of a working group dedicated to the transition of the crucial chemical industry. Through collaboration, knowledge exchange, and constructive discussions within the framework of group work, the challenges of the industry were identified and innovative strategies for promoting sustainable practices were developed.
Knowledge management facilitates access to information for stakeholders
An integral part of our work was effective knowledge management. The compilation, analysis, and generation of information were ensured and information was made easily accessible and comprehensible for stakeholders. This enables decision-makers to make informed decisions on the path to a sustainable future.
More Information (Website EU Commission)
Knowledge repository including case studies, toolkits, policy approaches and more (Website EU Commission)
Common implementation plan of the JTP Working Groups (PDF)
Outputs of the JTP Working Groups (Website EU Commission)
As part of our work for the Just Transition Platform, in October/November 2022 we prepared an ad hoc analysis of the industrial decarbonization plans across the EU.
Read the analysis (PDF, EU Commission)
Project team: Dr Jan-Philipp Kramer, Vera Fuhs, Neysan Khabirpour, Lorenzo Pelizzari, Markus Zock
Last update: 14.03.2024
Stakeholders of the European chemical industry exchange on their activities for a just transition towards climate neutrality.
Dr Jan-Philipp Kramer speaks at the fifth Just Transition Platform Meeting.
The fourth edition of the „Just Transition Platform Meeting “ will take place online on 15 – 17 November 2021.
Partner, Head of EU Services
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What needs to happen for Europe to survive in global competition? We analysed this at the “12 Minutes Europe – Meeting Global Challenges” event organised by the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber.
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Prognos is one of the oldest economic research centres in Europe. Founded at the University of Basel, Prognos experts have been conducting research for a wide range of clients from the public and private sectors since 1959 – politically independent, scientifically sound.