Coal mining is an integral part of the history of the Polish region of Silesia. Its capital, ICLEI Member Katowice, is home to thousands of coal-burning domestic hearths and is the place where Saint Barbara, the patron saint of miners, is venerated. Here, the role of coal is still alive: the Silesian coal mining sector provides about 82,500 direct jobs and has one of the highest production levels in Europe.

Climate change is changing the face of urban areas around the globe. The European Union’s newly approved Green Deal sets out the vision for a carbon-neutral EU by 2050. This requires drastic changes in the way we produce energy, move and live. The phase-out of coal is one of the biggest challenges for many EU countries. The Deal’s vision of “a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy… where economic growth is decoupled from resource use,” can, at times, seem hard to envision in Katowice, Silesia and Poland.

A swift transition away from fossil fuels will catch many regions off-guard, and the social and economic effects on their citizens can be severe. It is thus imperative that any such transition be just.

The “Silesian Declaration on Solidarity and Fair Transition” was presented at the 2018 United Nations Climate Change Conference, held in Katowice. The declaration states that a “just transition of the workforce and the creation of decent work and quality jobs are crucial to ensure an effective and inclusive transition to low greenhouse gas emission and climate resilient development.”

This sentiment has also been expressed at the European level. The newly approved EU Green Deal includes the Just Transition Mechanism that, according to a communication from the European Commission, aims to “ensure that the transition towards a climate-neutral economy happens in a fair way, leaving no one behind.” The communication adds that the mechanism's Just Transition Fund, “provides targeted support to help mobilise at least €100 billion over the period 2021-2027 in the most affected regions, to alleviate the socio-economic impact of the transition.”

The EU’s coal producing regions, including Silesia, will benefit from instruments within this mechanism; the European Commission presented an allocation of €2 billion to Poland, out of the total €7.5 billion available.

There are a number of projects in Silesia already focused on just transition, such as an online database to provide city planners and private investors with data regarding untapped potential in post-industrial sites; the revitalisation of sites such as the Krupinski mine in Suszec; and a reskilling and training programme called “Silesian Professional Employees.”

Katowice hosts the region’s most iconic just transition project: the Silesian Museum. Located at a former mining site, it puts the rich industrial heritage of the region on display, and hosts art and cultural collections 14 metres below the ground.

Marcin Krupa, Mayor of Katowice has expressed, “New investments following bold and innovative projects allow us to perceive Katowice in a completely different light: as a centre for dynamic business development and culture, where there is an abundance of green spaces covering more than half of the city’s area.” Mr. Krupa highlighted that, “this transformation would not have been possible were it not for the residents of Katowice and their conviction of the incredible potential hidden in the city.”

In 2017, the European Commission launched the Platform for Coal Regions in Transition to assist regions like Silesia. The Platform offers regions a space to build relationships and foster cooperation, to develop support materials and case studies, and to access technical assistance on strategy development and project identification.

The transition away from coal is one of EU’s greatest challenges, and managing it in a just way is an opportunity that we cannot afford to lose. The Just Transition Mechanism, the Just Transition Fund, the Platform for Coal Regions in Transition and the EU Green Deal are all important components in this process. As Jerzy Buzek, Chair of ITRE Committee and Member of European Parliament, has said, “I am convinced that, together with the Commission, the regions, the Member States and all stakeholders, we will continue making transition of coal regions a success, because that will mean the success of our citizens.”

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