European Conference for a Just Transition - March 4th and 5th, 2024
Following the Belgian Just Transition Conference, the Belgian Presidency is organizing a European Conference on Just transition, coordinated by Federal Minister for Climate, Environment, Sustainable Development and the Green Deal, Zakia Khattabi. In the context of the Belgian Presidency of the European Union, Just Transition has been made a priority for the Environment Council as well.
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 was 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 was followed by a roundtable discussion.
The objective of this two day conference is to bring together Member States, civil society and European institutions to discuss the outlines of a Just Transition Policy Framework fit for the future.
ILO Director of the Priority action programme on just transitions, Mr. Moustapha Kamal Gueye Director and Executive Director of the European Environment Agency Ms. Leena Ylä-Mononen will provide key-note’s during the opening session. An intervention of European Commission Executive Vice President Šefčovič is also planned. Afterwards a presentation of the EESC opinion with a focus on Governance is scheduled.
The programme further includes two break-out sessions one with a focus on poverty eradication and one with a focus on reconversion of industrial sectors, the presentation of an OSE study evaluating the social dimension of the Green Deal and discussions on possible Council Conclusions on Just Transition.
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 whole programme can be consulted underneath:
Practical information
- Date: 4 and 5 March 2024
- Where: Egmont Palace
Programme
4th of March 2024
Morning – High level Segment (09:30 – 12:30)
- Welcome by Min. Zakia Khattabi
Federal Minister of Climate, Environment, Sustainable Development and Green Deal.
- Keynote by Mr. Moustapha Kamal Gueye
Director, Priority action programme on just transitions, International Labour Organization
- Keynote by Ms. Leena Ylä-Mononen
Executive Director of the European Environment Agency
- Presentation of the EESC opinion with a focus on Governance
- Opening word by Maroš Šefčovič (presential)
European Commission Executive Vice-President for European Green Deal, Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight
- Roundtable discussion
- Closing word by Maroš Šefčovič (EVP) and Min. Zakia Khattabi
Lunch and networking moment (12:30-14:00)
Afternoon – Breakout sessions (14:00-17:30)
- Breakout #1 : Focus on poverty eradication
- Breakout #2 : Focus on reconversion of industrial sectors
Cocktail and networking (17:30 – 19:30)
5th of March 2024
Morning – Plenary discussion (09:30 -12:30)
- Welcome by Min. Zakia Khattabi
Federal Minister of Climate, Environment, Sustainable Development and Green Deal.
- Wrap-up first day
- 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
Lunch and networking moment (12:30-13:30)
Afternoon – Plenary discussion (13:30 – 17:00)
- Discussion on: EU Green Deal 2.0
- Interaction on: council conclusions on Just Transition
Registration is by invitation only. Please contact just.transition@khattabi.fed.be if you would like to attend the event.