The two calls of the Just Transition Platform - named JTPeers Exchange and JTPeers Experts – were announced on the eve of the Just Transition Platform Conference, the first conference dedicated to projects funded across Europe under the Just Transition Mechanism, which opened in Brussels on October 15.
Just Transition Mechanism, what it is
The concept of "just transition" was introduced by the EU in relation to the Green Deal to ensure that no one is left behind during the transition to a low-carbon economy, especially with reference to regions more dependent on fossil fuels and therefore more vulnerable to the impact of the ecological transition.
To achieve the EU's climate neutrality goal effectively and fairly, a Just Transition Mechanism has been established, aiming to mobilize around 55 billion euros in the period 2021-2027 to mitigate the socio-economic impact of the transition.
The Just Transition Mechanism consists of:
- a Just Transition Fund, endowed with 19.7 billion euros at current prices, which - mobilizing about 7.3 billion euros of national co-financing - aims to activate public resources for 27 billion euros;
- a specific scheme under the InvestEU program, which should mobilize 10-15 billion euros in investments, mostly from the private sector;
- a Public Sector Loan Facility, which will combine 1.5 billion euros of grants funded by the EU budget with 10 billion euros of EIB loans, to mobilize 18.5 billion euros of public investments in favor of the affected regions.
Finally, a Just Transition Platform has been established, consisting of a one-stop-shop and a helpdesk to provide assistance, advice, and training to competent authorities in the territories and to promote the exchange of best practices among all stakeholders.
