At the request of the forthcoming Belgian Presidency, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has discussed measures to create an EU just transition policy framework. The opinion was adopted in plenary on 14 December 2023. The EESC has an advisory role at EU level for the EU Parliament, the Council and the EU Commission. Divided into three groups, the EESC represents employers, employees and civil society organisations in the EU.

How can the green and digital transition be organised fairly?
The opinion outlines key elements of a political framework for a just transition. Both short and long-term measures are addressed. The Committee emphasises that the transition must be based equally on the principles of environmental sustainability and the protection of social values. It emphasises that the just transition must be at the top of the agenda in the next legislative period and requires a holistic, cross-sectoral and coherent approach. It believes that the political framework for a just transition should also contribute to the further development of the European social model. This would be possible, for example, with a directive that encourages Member States to reform their social systems, ensure a fair distribution of the green transition’s benefits and provide accessible services.

EESC makes concrete proposals
The measures proposed in the opinion include, firstly, the preparation and adoption of an "EU Agenda 2050". The principles of the agenda are environmental sustainability, the right to a decent life and the protection of social values. Secondly, a “Just Transition” Commissioner is to be appointed in the next legislative period. He or she would then be responsible for ensuring the implementation of a just transition in close coordination with the other Directorates-General of the EU Commission.

The third proposal relates to the setup of a Just Transition Observatory, which would be responsible for relevant research, data collection and the development of a Just Transition Scoreboard. It would use data to monitor just transition processes and policies and also address key research questions, such as how many workers are affected by redundancies as a result of the transition. By providing facts and figures, the new Observatory should also contribute to the involvement of social partners and other stakeholders, which have not yet been further defined.

Overall, the EESC believes that the political framework for a just transition should ensure a sustainable economy that respects the planetary boundaries and the right to a decent life.

Just transition must become an integral part of the social and economic policy agenda
Another part of the opinion concerns the necessary reform of the European Semester, which should be better focussed on the environmental and social dimension. In addition, the Stability and Growth Pact should be reformed so that there is enough room for manoeuvre for the expenditure that is essential for a just transition. The opinion proposes introducing a golden rule for investments so that this expenditure is not covered by the deficit and debt rules.

The just transition policy framework must be developed and implemented through social dialogue, collective bargaining, civil dialogue and the involvement of regional authorities. The EESC is in favour of developing plans at all levels that go hand in hand with the protection and training of workers.

Making just transition a priority
In the plenary debate, reference is also made to a recent report on the implementation of the Council Recommendation on ensuring a fair transition towards climate neutrality, according to which only Spain has a strategy to address the social aspects of a transition. The other Member States should follow this example. Following an animated, the opinion was adopted by an overwhelming majority. It is to be hoped that concrete steps towards a comprehensive European just transition strategy will soon follow.

The report corresponds to the position of the Chamber of Labour in many respects. AK has also been calling for many years for a transition that distributes the transition costs fairly. With this in mind, it is also involved in the European Alliance for a Just Transition.

Further information:
EESC: Opinion
AK EUROPA Position Paper: Auf dem Weg zu einem nachhaltigen Europa bis 2030 (Towards a sustainable Europe by 2030)  (German only)
AK EUROPA: Europe needs a reform of the Stability and Growth Pact!
AK Vienna: The implementation of the Golden Rule for public investments in Europe  (German only)
A&W Blog: “Just Transition”: Weil Klimapolitik eine soziale Frage ist! (Because climate policy is a social issue! (German only)
A&W Blog: Just Transition: Arbeitskräfte für die Energiewende (Labour for the energy transition (German only)
European Alliance for a Just Transition