Coal, lignite, peat and oil shale (“coal+”) regions in the EU are invited to join the exchangeEU programme to accelerate a just energy transition on-the-ground. The programme matches stakeholders from coal+ regions across the EU to connect and deepen their understanding of each other’s challenges around the transition process, to share insights and create unique opportunities for dialogue, cooperation, peer-to-peer learning and networking. Regions are invited to apply by 31 January.

Interested regions are invited to apply as an individual region or as a pre-defined pair. Participating regions will benefit from innovative and customised solutions, hands-on learning opportunities, and tangible results to take meaningful actions together. 

exchangeEU sets out to establish exchanges between coal+ regions and strives to create a community of practitioners with a lasting impact through a demand-driven programme design tailored to the needs of the participating regions. The exchanges will build a foundation on which the participating regions can establish ongoing cooperation.

While exchangeEU primarily addresses local and regional authorities, all active stakeholders driving the transition process, including energy agencies, trade unions, (business) associations, NGOs, companies and academic institutions are invited to participate. Whether you are just beginning your transition journey or are more advanced in the process, you are encouraged to apply.

The European Commission launched the programme to complement existing activities of its Initiative for coal regions in transition. ICLEI Europe is working on the implementation of the programme together with Guidehouse, ifok and Wuppertal Institute.

If you have questions regarding the exchangeEU programme, please reach out to the helpdesk at exchangeEU@coalregions.eu. You are invited to watch a video and visit the exchange programme website to learn more about exchangeEU and how to apply.