Greece Mobilizes €1.63 Billion for Just Transition
Greece has adopted the first Just Transition Fund (JTF) Programme, which aims to mobilize a total investment of €1.63 billion to alleviate the impact of the energy and climate transition on the local economy and society. The Greek plan will benefit from grants amounting to €1.38 billion from the JTF. The funds will be used to support various initiatives and projects in the affected regions, including:
The Programme will support de-carbonisation in Western Macedonia, Megalopolis, and adjacent municipalities, as well as the phasing out of fossil fuel power stations in the islands of North-South Aegean and Crete. Just over half of the funds will support entrepreneurship through the financing of existing and new enterprises, business infrastructure, and stronger links between companies and research and innovation. Another large part of the funds (20.4% of the total) will strengthen human resources and the skills of the workforce in the affected areas, promoting employment and targeting energy transition, land use adaptation, and the circular economy. Two operations of strategic importance are part of the Programme: Innovation Zone of Western Macedonia – an umbrella body for the development of infrastructure and actions for innovative entrepreneurship, and the Bioeconomy 360° Hub in the Municipalities of Megalopolis, Gortynia, Oichalia, and Tripoli, which aims to transform business activity in the full range of the bioeconomy value chain (agri-food, circular and digital economy).
The Just Transition Fund is part of the European Union’s cohesion policy and aims to support regions, sectors, and communities facing more severe socio-economic challenges from the transition to cleaner forms of energy. The fund provides grants to impacted regions so they can pursue economic diversification and provide greater job opportunities for workers. Greece’s plan is the first to be supported with JTF funds, and it offers a roadmap for other countries transitioning away from coal.
Therefore, the EUTEENS4GREEN includes 12 youth-led projects which implement awareness activities concerning greener social behaviours around the local communities in order to create a more inclusive and prepared society for future climate events. Get to know them below.
“GREEN out of the BOX” challenge
“GOotB” is a gamification challenge box which aims to travel to 10 high schools in Kozani, whose students should complete the tasks assigned to them within 2 weeks through a fun way of non-formal learning.
Production of biochar for sustainable wastewater treatment and reuse in agriculture
Research and development of a new biochar material from organic waste and its application in beneficial uses.
Promoting circular economy in just transition regions
Establish a collaboration between two Just Transition regions of Greece to promote the principles of circular economy, by organizing two events and establishing a website hub.
Syra Smart Sustainable Island
Project Syra SSI aims to address the technical, social, economic, and political issues associated with the Just transition on the island of Syros by engaging youth in the policy-making process.
The Green Gate of Transition
GreenGateis trying to explore the potential of escape games as a strategy to promote sustainable attitudes & beliefs, focusing on environmental sustainability, renewable energy and climate change.
Educational web application for raising teens’ awareness about just transition
JUSTRAPP is a gamified educational web app that aims to raise teens’ awareness about just transition through interactive questions and activities.
Implementing a green roof to support the just transition
Installation of a green roof in one building of their dormitories at the university campus in Chania in the region of Crete, Greece.
JusT4Youth in Western Macedonia
Educational Centre for Green Energy, Transition and New Methods of Energy Production at the old Municipality building of Filotas, Greece.
Transition to a compost waste system in Tripoli
Introduce local compost system in Tripoli for sustainable waste management and community involvement in agriculture; reduce carbon footprint, promote sustainable food habits and seasonal food.
Green Inclusion of vulnerable social Groups through environmental awareness focusing on sustainability, circular economy and resilience and understand the effects of plastic
Empower young workers in Chania’s booming tourist industry with green skills and knowledge for a sustainable transition and foster intergenerational connections to promote eco-friendly practices.
DRYAD
DRYAD connects young people with nature to boost their environmental awareness and mental well-being. It encourages environmental consciousness and raises awareness through social media & well-being retreats.
Living Library Sessions “Kozani’sJust Transition as an open book”
Highlight the human factor in any event. Way to highlight the human factor of the Just Transition process that Kozaniwill face.
