Towards a just transition legislative proposal and EU policy tools that enable a more social European Green Deal

Practical information

1. Composition of the Study group and timeline
2. Administrators / Assistant in charge: Judit CARRERAS GARCIA / Lukáš ĎURECH
3. Contact

Background

In December 2023, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted the exploratory opinion titled "Advancing the EU's just transition policy framework: what measures are necessary?" (NAT/915) at the request of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. In this opinion, the EESC calls for the development of a comprehensive and integrated EU policy framework for just transition.

The EESC's proposal is organized around six pillars and encompasses over 70 EU-level policy proposals and measures. Additionally, it suggests more than 20 national-level actions and provides recommendations to enhance the involvement and ownership of relevant actors.

Considering the forthcoming initiatives, such as the communication on the EU climate target for 2040 and the mid-term review of the 8^th Environmental Action Programme (EAP), both followed by legislative proposals in 2025, as well as the prioritization of legislative initiatives by the incoming college, the EESC is engaging in reflection to advance recommendations for a just transition legislative proposal and EU policy tools for the world of work. This is regarded as a critical component of the comprehensive and integrated EU policy framework on just transition as developed in the exploratory opinion.

This own-initiative opinion aims to reflect upon and advance recommendations for a just transition legislative proposal and EU policy tools for the world of work, building upon the European Parliament's resolution of 23 November 2023 on job creation – the just transition and impact investments. Specifically, it aligns with the call to "introduce a new framework directive on the anticipation and management of the transition that guarantees timely and effective information and consultation of workers and trade unions" as outlined in paragraph 37 of the resolution.

Emphasizing the necessity for 'anticipation and management of change', both the European Union and its Member States would be compelled to undertake the long-term planning often absent from policy.

While the Just Transition Mechanism serves as a valuable tool for enhancing and managing a just transition at the regional and sectoral levels, its scope is limited, addressing only a specific sector and regions—a small fraction of the transition process (NAT/864). Moreover, there is limited experience in implementing industrial policies for a just transition, with most policies focusing solely on the energy transition.

To navigate and comprehend this evolving landscape effectively, the opinion-making will introduce foresight techniques to consider this policy framework on Just Transition. This own-initiative opinion could contribute to defining EU policy tools to support the transformation of the world of work.