Exchange programme for coal regions to share experiences with implementing just transition to clean energy

Coal regions in the Western Balkans, Ukraine and the EU are invited to join an exchange programme to accelerate just local energy transitions. The programme is an opportunity for regions to start direct, one-to-one dialogues, connect with different stakeholders, learn from each other, and transfer knowledge.  The exchange programme is part of the Initiative for coal regions in transition in the Western Balkans and Ukraine, managed by the European Commission in cooperation with the Energy Community, the World Bank, EBRD, EIB, Poland’s National Fund for Environment Protection and Water Management and the College of Europe in Natolin.

Participating regions will be paired based on their interests and expertise, and will select topics relevant to coal phase-out to be explored in-depth. Priority will be given to forming pairs made up of one coal region from the Western Balkans or Ukraine and one coal region from the EU. However, this is flexible and needs-based.

All participating regions will benefit from funded study visits, knowledge exchange, and expert support. In addition to tailored expert support, regions will access advice from their peers through hands-on learning opportunities, and will gain access to tools and support to help them reflect on and evaluate their transitions so far, and map out their next steps. The programme is also a unique networking opportunity.

Interested applicants are invited to apply by 15 September 2021. Information on eligibility and application process is available at the programme’s  webpage.

For more information, please contact [email protected]