Today Renew Europe calls for continuation of the Just Transition Fund (JTF) in the next Multiannual financial framework (MFF) and proposes major improvements to address the real regional needs of communities affected by the transition to a carbon neutral economy by 2050.
Renew Europe regrets that the European Commission has not proposed a stand-alone Just Transition Fund (JTF) in their recent proposals on the future Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and we call for the continuation of the JTF through a JTF 2.0. with local communities and their prosperity and economic growth at the centre.
Ciaran Mullooly, Renew Europe rapporteur on the Committee on Regional Development, is making a stand. His report on 'The role of cohesion policy in supporting the just transition', calls on all political groups to support the recommendations and the continuation of the JTF and secure economic development in all European regions that need it most.
Ciaran Mullooly MEP, said: “My focus in bringing forward this important new policy document has been centrally on the welfare of the workers who lost their jobs in Ireland and in Europe and their families as part of the move to decarbonisation. The EU Just Transition Fund was originally designed to ensure that nobody was “left behind” but in visiting member states, I discovered several areas where new support is urgently needed, and I have addressed these problems in this important file. The next key step is the restoration of a ring-fenced EU budget for this new policy going forward and I have already called on Vice President Fitto to urgently address this in the next MFF discussions. “
The Report on the role of cohesion policy in supporting the just transition proposes strengthened JTF with tailored regional approaches and simplified procedures for quick access to funding. The JTF must focus more on people and address the diverse social and economic realities across different European regions. Through targeted improvements like upskilling and education, the JTF can effectively reduce regional disparities.
The plenary vote will be tomorrow. Read the full report here. | 
