EU Just Transition Fund (JTF) is a new funding programme under the 2021–2027 EU Cohesion Policy. It helps communities across Europe address the social and economic challenges of moving towards a zero-carbon economy.

‍

‍

Aims & Objectives

The Just Transition Fund is one of three pillars of the Just Transition Mechanism under the European Green Deal.

Its goals are to:

• diversify and modernise local economies in affected areas
• reskill and upskill workers whose jobs are impacted
• support jobseekers and communities in adapting to new opportunities

It does this by funding projects that drive innovation, expand sustainable energy, create new business opportunities, and reduce environmental damage.

‍

What does it support?

The JTF supports economic diversification and worker reskilling in regions facing major socio-economic impacts from the green transition.

In Ireland, the EU JTF focuses on the wider Midlands region, which has been heavily affected by the move away from peat production and electricity generation from peat. The fund supports the National Climate Action Plan, which aims for a climate-resilient, biodiversity-rich, and climate-neutral economy by 2050.

Ireland's JTF priorities for 2021-2027 are:

• Priority 1 - Generating employment for former peat communities by investing in the diversification of the local economy.
• Priority 2 - Supporting the restoration and rehabilitation of degraded peatlands and regeneration and repurposing of industrial heritage assets.
• Priority 3 - Providing former peat communities with smart and sustainable mobility options to enable them to benefit directly from the green transition.

Examples of eligible activities:

• Support for SMEs and micro-enterprises to grow and diversify
• Worker training, upskilling, and reskilling programmes
• Research, innovation, and technology deployment
• Development of clean energy systems and infrastructure
• Regeneration of industrial sites and brownfield areas
• Job-search assistance and inclusion programmes for jobseekers
• Transformation of carbon-intensive facilities, when leading to significant emission cuts and job protection

‍Who can apply?

• Micro-enterprises
• SMEs
• Research institutions
• Local authorities
• Community organisations

‍

Which regions are eligible?

The EU Just Transition Fund in Ireland primarily focuses on the wider Midlands region, which is defined as counties:

• Galway (Ballinasloe)
• Kildare(Athy, Clane-Maynooth)
• Laois
• Longford
• Offaly
• Roscommon
• Westmeath
• Tipperary (Carrick-on-Suir, Thurles)

‍

EU Policy

‍Learn more about EU Green Deal policy.

‍

Budget

The programme's total budget is €84.5 million for 2021-2027.

‍

Project Example

CycleUp Textiles

With funding from the Just Transition Fund, Roscommon Women’s Network runs CycleUp Textiles, an environmental intiative which addresses the issue of textile waste through a community development approach to environmental protection. The Just Transition Fund will help CycleUp Textiles to support and upskill women to design, market, and upcycle textiles for sale while creating flexible employment and career progression opportunities. Visit the project website to learn more.

‍

‍National Contact Point in Ireland

The Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly is the Irish National Contact Point for the Just Transition Fund. Contact them at eujtf@emra.ie.

‍

Open Calls

Find open calls for Just Transition Fund.

‍

Want to learn more?

EU Just Transition Fund on the EMRA website

EU Just Transition Fund information video series

EU Just Transition Fund on gov.ie

Just Transition Fund on EUFunds.ie

‍Just Transition Platform

Just Transition Fund

‍

Social Media

X:

EU Just Transition Fund in Ireland

Eastern & Midland RA

‍EU in my region

Facebook:

Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly

‍Europe in my region

LinkedIn:

Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly