What is Just Transition Fund (JTF)?

The Just Transition Fund (JTF) represents a primary pillar of the European Just Transition Mechanism. Its chief objective is to provide financial aid to territories most severely impacted by the move toward a low-emission, climate-neutral economy. It focuses specifically on coal-mining and heavy-industry regions, helping them mitigate the socio-economic and environmental effects of industrial transformation while preventing widening regional inequalities.

Origin and Purpose

The foundation of the fund lies in the 2019 European Green Deal, under which EU member states committed to transforming Europe into the world's first climate-neutral continent by 2050. An intermediate target requires cutting greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels). Because this transition affects regions unevenly, the Just Transition Fund was established to offer technical and financial support to facilitate the structural shift.

What Does the Just Transition Fund Support?

The fund provides a broad spectrum of assistance to foster new industries, promote economic diversification, and enhance quality of life in affected areas. Key eligible and supported activities include:

• Investments in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), business modernization, and start-up creation aimed at job generation.
• Research and development initiatives alongside support for transferring advanced technologies into practice.
• Deployment of clean and affordable energy technologies, carbon emission reductions, and investments in renewable energy source projects.
• Brownfield regeneration and decontamination, land reclamation, and landscape restoration (including green infrastructure).
• Support for the circular economy, focusing on waste prevention, recycling, and efficient resource management.
• Investments in smart, sustainable local transport systems, digital innovations, and regional connectivity.
• Upskilling and reskilling programs for workers, job search assistance, social inclusion, and investments in infrastructure such as training centers, childcare facilities, and senior care services.