EU initiative for coal regions in transition in the Western Balkans and Ukraine

The EU in December 2020 launched an initiative to help coal regions in six neighbouring EU countries undertake a just transition from coal towards a carbon-neutral economy. At least 17 regions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Ukraine with significant coal mining activities and coal-based energy production are eligible to participate on a voluntary basis. The initiative offers an open platform for region-wide multi-stakeholder dialogue to share experiences, knowledge and best practices on the transition, and region-to-region exchanges with EU counterparts. The selected pilot regions will be able to access dedicated trainings through a Coal Academy, technical assistance in the development of transition roadmaps, and receive support to access financing opportunities. Since 2021, the initiative’s secretariat in Brussels has facilitated its implementation and ensures stakeholder collaboration. It is managed by the European Commission and six collaborating international partners, building on the existing EU initiative for coal regions in transition, to reinforce and complement implementation of the European Green Deal and the achievement of a just transition out of coal in Europe. 

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