European Conference for a Just Transition
In the context of the Belgian Presidency of the European Union, Just Transition has been made a priority for the Environment Council.
On this occasion, the European Conference for a Just Transition took place on March 4-5, 2024 in Egmont Palace.
The aim of this conference was to contribute to a more comprehensive just transition which can deliver on the objective of organizing a carbon neutral, environmentally sustainable, toxic-free and fully circular society and economy by 2050.
In preparation of this priority, Belgium has asked an Exploratory opinion to the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). The following question was put forward: “Which steps should the EU undertake to realize a more comprehensive just transition policy framework which can deliver on the objective of organizing a carbon neutral, environmentally sustainable, toxic-free and fully circular society and economy by 2050?”. The complete opinion can be found here.
This opinion will be presented during a working session on Just Transition at the Informal meeting of environment ministers on the 15th of January. The presentation of this opinion will be followed by a roundtable discussion.
During the Environment Council on March 25, 2024 The insights and findings from the European Conference will be formally presented.
During the Environment Council on June 17, 2024 the Belgian Presidency aims to adopt Council Conclusions on various topics, including just transition.
The programme of the conference can be found here and the list of speakers here.
4th of March 2024
HIGH LEVEL SEGMENT
09:30 - 12:30 | Salle Europe
- Welcome by Min. Zakia Khattabi, Minister of Climate, Environment, Sustainable Development and Green Deal, Belgium
- Keynote by Mr. Moustapha Kamal Gueye, Director, Priority action programme on Just Transitions, International Labour Organization
Read the keynote by Mr. Moustapha Kamal Gueye
- Keynote by Ms. Leena Ylä-Mononen, Executive Director of the European Environment Agency
Read the intervention of Ms. Leena Ylä-Mononen
Presentation of the EESC opinion with a focus on Governance
by President Oliver Röpke and rapporteur Rudy De Leeuw
Read the presentation of the EESC opinion
- Roundtable discussion introduced by Mr Maroš Šefčovič, European Commission Executive Vice-President for European Green Deal, Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight
- Concluding word by Min. Zakia Khattabi
AFTERNOON – BREAK OUT SESSIONS
14:00 - 17:30 | Salles Arenberg and Europe
Breakout #1 : Focus on poverty eradication
Salle Arenberg
- Academic introduction and context by Prof. Wim Van Lancker, KUL
View the powerpoint presentation
- Keynote by Mrs. Sandrine-Dixson-Declève, Co-President Club of Rome
View the powerpoint presentation
Sessions with roundtable discussions - open to the participants
The Fair Energy Transition for All
- Project Introduction by Mrs. Pascal Taminiaux, King Baudouin Foundation
View the powerpoint presentation
Anti-poverty strategies
- Introduction by Mrs. Sandra Araujo, Coordination of the PT National Strategy to Combat Poverty
View the powerpoint presentation
Just Transition and Austerity & Digitalization
- Introduction by Mr. Carlos Susias, President of European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN)
- Capturing the common ground for the Council Conclusions
Moderator: Matteo Mandelli, Science Po Paris
Rapporteur: Kahina Rabahi, EAPN
Breakout #2 : Focus on reconversion of industrial sectors
Salle Europe
- Academic introduction and context by Prof. Kris Bachus, UAntwerpen
View the powerpoint presentation
- Keynote by Werner Schmidt, European Investment Bank, Director for Urban and Territorial development, and head of JASPERS
- Statements by the social partners: European Trade Union Confederation, Business Europe, SME United, IndustriAll, European Chemicals Employer Group
Read the statements of SME United
View the powerpoint presentation of the European Chemicals Employer Group
Read the report of the session, by the rapporteur Clara Dassonville
- Roundtable discussion - open to the participants
- Capturing the common ground for the Council Conclusions
Moderator: Myriam Bovéda, DG REGIO
Rapporteur: Clara Dassonville, European Alliance for a Just Transition
5th of March 2024
MORNING - PLENARY DISCUSSION
09:30 - 12:30 | Salle Europe
- Welcome by Minister Zakia Khattabi, Federal Minister of Climate, Environment, Sustainable Development and Green Deal
Just Transition in Belgium : lessons learned
- Presentation of the main findings after the Estates General and Conference for a Just Transition in Belgium by Bernard Mazijn, Chief of staff of Minister Zakia Khattabi
- Focus on the report of the scientific High Committee for a Just Transition by Prof. Bea Cantillon and Prof. Marek Hudon, co-chairs
View the powerpoint presentation
- Wrap-up first day (presentations from the rapporteurs)
Presentation of study: The European Green Deal and the ‘Leave No One Behind’ principle: state of the art, gaps and ways forward
- European Social Observatory by Dr. Sebastiano Sabato, Senior Researcher, European Social Observatory
View the powerpoint presentation
AFTERNOON – PLENARY DISCUSSION
13:30 - 17:00 | Salle Europe
- Discussion on Strengthening the European Green Deal
- Interaction on Council Conclusions on Just Transition