Just transition – the concept of fair change – means considering ecological and social challenges together when designing the necessary transformation, particularly in order to get the climate crisis under control. This structural change requires different transformation processes at all levels, including in the world of work.

EP resolution for a Just Transition Directive

The resolution of the European Parliament is an important first step towards achieving a just transition through concrete, tangible measures. It was adopted with 420 votes in favour, 207 against and 20 abstentions. The resolution recognises that the green and digital transitions are having a profound impact on Europe's society, economy, regions and jobs. These impacts can materialise very differently depending on the region. Comprehensive social and employment policy measures are therefore called for to offset negative consequences and promote regional and social cohesion. The resolution also emphasises that the broad involvement of civil society, social partners and public authorities is necessary to distribute profits fairly and resolve conflicts.

There are already several initiatives (European Social Fund, Just Transition Fund, Social Climate Fund, Union of Skills initiative, etc.) to support a just transition. The EU Parliament concludes that the legal framework is nevertheless incomplete when it comes to structural changes in the world of work. From AK's point of view, this finding of incompleteness is clearly to be agreed with. However, compromises were already made in the Employment Committee, which was responsible for drafting the resolution, in order to achieve the necessary majority. The vote in plenary was also controversial: compared to the version adopted by the Employment Committee, the explicit call on the Commission to submit a proposal for a directive was deleted. However, the Just Transition Directive is still included in the title of the resolution and in the recommendations in the annex. Another success is that the central demand for a right to training during working hours is supported by the EU Parliament.

The ball is now in the European Commission's court

The Commission now has three months to respond to the Parliament's resolution. From AK's point of view, it would be welcome if the Commission took up the EU Parliament's initiative and presented a corresponding legislative proposal by 2027 at the latest. In doing so, it will also be necessary to consider which of the points raised by the EU Parliament can also be addressed in the context of other EU Commission measures. The MEP’s call for information and consultation of the workforce and their representatives, as well as for the effective application of Directive 2002/14/EC establishing a general framework for informing and consulting workers, is already explicitly mentioned by the EU Commission in the Quality Jobs Roadmap. The main aim here is to involve the workforce at an early stage in the event of company restructuring, to anticipate operational changes and to take mitigating measures in the interests of workers as quickly as possible. The long-awaited European Fair Transition Observatory is also finally set to become operational in 2026. This is intended to improve the data available in this area and also serve as a central interface for stakeholders to exchange ideas on shaping a just transition.

What measures are needed from the workers’ point of view?

The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) is calling for a holistic approach to a just transition: a Just Transition Directive should serve to make the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights climate-friendly and enforceable. In pursuit of a rights-based entitlement for workers, the possibility of job-to-job transition and a European job guarantee are also important demands.

In the resolution now adopted by the EU Parliament, particular attention should be paid to ensuring that measures for a just transition are taken not only in the regions of Europe that are particularly affected, but everywhere. This is because the transformation affects the entire economy, both directly and indirectly. Workers must be given specific legal rights that provide them with social security and the opportunity to retrain and upgrade their skills in times of upheaval. Furthermore, the involvement of the workforce must not be limited to mere information and consultation, but must ensure appropriate co-determination. When companies receive subsidies, attention must be paid to social conditionality and recovery mechanisms in the event of non-compliance. In addition, it would make sense to foresee mandatory Just Transition Plans for companies above a certain size. In line with the Spanish model, the establishment of just transition agencies should also be envisaged in the other Member States.

Further information:

EU Parliament: Resolution on just transition directive in the world of work
A&W-Blog: Wie steht es um die Just Transition in der EU? (German only)
Infobrief EU & international: Just Transition: Die neue EU-Kommission in die Pflicht nehmen (German only)
AK EUROPA: Quality Jobs Roadmap. Why an effective EU agenda to strengthen job quality is necessary
AK EUROPA: Focus on the social question. Why a socially just transition needs to be strengthened right now
ETUC: Facing industrial layoffs, Commission must now bring forward just transition measures