With this adoption by Commission, Czechia will receive €1.64 billion in EU grants to support the country’s efforts to phase out coal-fired power by 2033 and ensure a fair transition to climate neutrality. In particular, those grants will help Czech regions where 21.000 jobs are linked to the coal and chemicals industry. The JTF will make sure that the climate transition will not leave anyone behind.

Among territories identified, Karlovarsky, Ustecky, Moravskoslezsky take priority for an industrial transition.

In Karlovarsky, over 1000 jobs are related to pollutant power generation activities. To make sure the industrial transition in this region is benefitting everyone, the JTF will support entrepreneurs and human resources by helping to re- and upskill workers.

In Ustecky, 80% of Czechia’s lignite (or brown coal) is extracted. The JTF will support investments to transform the economy into one based on renewable energy sources and a circular economy.

Moravskoslezsky is the biggest coal-mining region in Czechia with 5000 direct jobs in the sector. The region also faces several challenges related to the environment, especially air pollution, and groundwater contamination due to industrial activities. The JTF will therefore invest in decontamination and support the region’s coal phase-out.

The JTF supports the territories most affected by the transition towards a climate-neutral economy. These territories are identified in Territorial Just Transition Plans (TJTPs) following a dialogue with the Commission in the framework of the negotiations of the 2021-2027 Partnership Agreements and the associated programmes. The TJTPs, developed in close consultation with local partners, set out the challenges in each territory, as well as the development needs and objectives to be met by 2030.

Source: EU Cohesion Policy: €1.64 billion for a just climate transition in Czechia