Resource context
“Exploring the just transition: Europe” is a report published by Cooperative City and written by Simone d'Antonio, Daniela Patti, and Levente Polyak (EUTROPIAN) together with Jazmin Burgess and Krisztina Campbell (C40 Cities). It brings together an overview of the “just transition” concept and highlights how European cities and regions can approach climate and economic transformation while addressing inequality.
What “just transition” refers to in Europe
The report describes just transition as an approach to shifting to a low‑carbon economy in a way that is equitable and inclusive for workers and communities affected by the change. It notes that the topic is increasingly prominent in Europe through institutional frameworks and policy initiatives, including the European Green Deal and the Just Transition Mechanism, which aim to support regions and groups facing the impacts of decarbonisation.
Key transition arenas and challenges
A major focus is the move away from fossil fuels in coal regions and coal-dependent cities. The report also points to industrial sector transformation as another core arena where decarbonisation can have significant employment and social impacts. Across these sectors, it highlights the need for reskilling and upskilling so that workers can access emerging “green jobs,” and it frames these labour-market shifts as central to a transition that is fair as well as climate-aligned.
Territorial inequality, working conditions, and community ownership
Beyond sectoral change, the report emphasises regional transformation and the need to reduce territorial inequalities. It connects just transition to improving access to opportunities across different places and ensuring fair working conditions as economies adapt. Community leadership and ownership are identified as important elements for successful transitions, with the report underlining that inclusive governance and local involvement can shape outcomes and legitimacy. 🇪🇺 National strategies and policy alignment The report notes that several European countries have developed national strategies based on just transition principles, including Germany, Scotland, France, and Ukraine. These national frameworks are presented as reference points that can guide local and city-level action, helping align municipal initiatives with broader public-policy objectives.
The role of cities as implementers and conveners
Cities are described as pivotal actors because they experience the direct impacts of economic and environmental shifts and can engage stakeholders locally. The report frames urban areas as potential “laboratories” for practical approaches, where local governments can convene employers, workers, communities, and other actors to design responses that reflect local conditions.
Recommended actions for city governments
Recommended steps include engaging national governments in just transition planning, facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogue at city level, and improving interdepartmental coordination within municipal administrations. The report also highlights collaboratively designed reskilling and upskilling policies, advocacy for inclusive allocation of EU-level support, and participation in European networks and partnerships as practical levers for advancing just transition objectives.
Social trust and inequality outcomes
The report links just transition strategies to restoring trust between local governments and communities by directly addressing social and territorial inequalities. It presents these measures as part of a pathway toward sustainable economic development and a more secure future of work in European regions and cities undergoing climate-related and industrial change.