Speech by Commissioner Elisa Ferreira (by video message) for the Conference "Job after coal" - Konin, Wielkopolska, Poland

Conference "Job after coal"

Dear partners,

dear fellow Europeans,

It would have been my wish to participate in your conference in person, but other commitments prevented me from coming to Poland again. And from visiting another Polish Just Transition region. But I am with you in spirit!

So, welcome to this event which marks a milestone in Poland's transition to a green economy which works for everyone.

The Wielkopolska region has a long and distinguished track record of strong investments supported by European Funds.

Since Poland joined the EU, in 2004, GDP per head in this region has grown from 54% to 84% of the EU average. In other words, the gap with the EU average is just one third of what it was then. A tribute to your hard work and investment, supported by European Cohesion Policy.

And today once again, Wielkopolska is showing the way forward, with this flagship project: “Job after coal”.

I congratulate you, for your goal of closing the power plants, and lignite mine, by 2030. And achieving climate neutrality, at the regional level, by 2040.

Europe is on track to being the world's first carbon neutral continent. Necessary for the environment. And necessary to cut our dependence on fossil fuels and turning to more sustainable and profitable sources of energy. You are playing a key role in this change!

But, as you know, it is challenging to find jobs after coal.

This is why the European Union has provided 3.8 billion euros under the Just Transition Fund, to support the 5 main coal regions of Poland. Support for your investments in new jobs and new sectors, in your local areas.

And today's project is an excellent example of how a community can successfully reinvent itself.

It is also an excellent example of stakeholder consultation, and a just transition plan developed with the full participation of local partners. Your ambitious plans, and experience so far, are an inspiration for other regions across Europe.

And this focus on people, and on local partners, and local communities is as it should be.

The 9^th Cohesion Report, published last month, offers an overview of the state of Europe's regions.

The data and analysis of this report serve as a welcome reminder, that for every place in Europe, people are our greatest asset. And in particular we must offer opportunities for young people who wish to stay in the area.

Because the Just Transition is about people. And the local communities taking their destiny in their own hands. And deciding for themselves how they want their city or region to look in 10 to 20 years' time.

This is the philosophy of the Just Transition Fund. This is the philosophy of our project today. And this is the philosophy with which we approach the future of Cohesion policy: a smarter, more efficient, future-oriented policy, but also more user-friendly, at the service of local communities.

So I encourage you to “spread the word”. To share good practices. To play a full role in peer learning and the Just Transition Platform. I am happy that you are already active in conferences such as the 9^th JTP conference, and in exchanges, such as with the Alentejo region in Portugal.

We in the European Commission will continue to support you. I was glad to have been able to help accelerate the approval of your national state aid scheme for lignite mine workers.

We will continue to provide practical support through technical assistance, such as JASPERS, GROUNDWORK and START.

And of course, I wish you a successful conference, and fruitful discussions and further down the line, that your vision and plans for this region comes to pass bringing new opportunities and prosperity for its community.

Thank you very much.