Just Transition Lab

European coal regions are in the process of creating their transition plans. For several reasons, many regions struggle to make this a participatory process: lack of up-to-date information, of knowledge on available solutions, and of experience in involving all stakeholders. Yet, there is time to fill this gap, as the drafting processes of territorial just transition plans are still ongoing. This offers a good opportunity to try and test new ways for more ambitious and more democratic transition planning.

This project focused on two regions: the eastern part of Wielkopolska in Poland and Lusatia in Germany. The project provided a forum for integrative debates in the respective communities. It invited citizens to discuss the specific problems of the region, search for solutions, and formulate concrete project ideas. In addition, the project provided strategies, proven methods, useful information, and opportunities for networking and idea exchange between Wielkopolska and Lusatia. Over two years, the project brought all stakeholders together several times and arranged a series of events, workshops, and trainings, to which local governments, local businesses, miners, non-governmental organizations, and civil society representatives were invited. Moreover, the project organized two study trips to the respective partner country. All relevant activities were communicated through the project's online channels and the media. The project results were presented at a closing conference.

• Cross-border cooperation for sustainable energy projects: During two study visits to the partner country’s mining regions, representatives from local authorities, mining companies, chambers of commerce, NGOs and local groups shared their experiences of just transition, thus strengthening cross-border cooperation for sustainable energy projects. 
• Long-term securing of citizen participation and international cooperation: The project was recognised and institutionally supported by Brandenburg's state government, with long-term funding for citizen participation and international cooperation secured from November 2022 onwards. 
• Policy recommendations for a just transition: The report ‘Gone with the Coal: Eastern Wielkopolska in Search of New Energy’, produced as part of the project, includes recommendations on the participatory planning of just transition processes. It was presented and supported by the Lusatia Commissioner, local authorities and experts, among others.