Just Transition and Place-Based Policy in Coal-Dependent Areas

Abstract

Recently, the interrelated concepts of the place-based approach, spatial justice, and just transition appear not only in scientific dialogue but also in developing policies that seek to address spatial inequalities. This article attempts to discuss the European, national, and local just transition policies and to assess the extent to which these policies are in line with the place-based model, as reflected in the Barca report (2009). The study reference area at the regional level is Western Macedonia, for which the transition towards an alternative, sustainable, and just path stands a very challenging policy exercise. The empirical section involved questionnaires with local specialists and professionals who hold profound knowledge and experience of the area. The results of the analysis revealed that just transition policies designed only at a European level demonstrate a high-level degree of relationship with the place-based model. The exact opposite seems to prevail at the level of national and regional policies.

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“…The findings also suggest that the proposed model for governing transition in Greece, favors neither multilevel governance, nor vertical or horizontal linkages among different power poles and places. As a result, this pattern promotes a purely centralized and vertical administrative setting that favors the core-periphery paradigm (Topaloglou, 2021). In addition, according to the prevailing perceptions, it seems that the governance model to be applied in the region is not able to address effectively economic inequalities and social exclusion.…”

“…To this end, the concepts of social and spatial justice cannot be separated from environmental justice. This approach brings to the fore the need to seek place-based approaches that challenge the "one size fits all" and spaceneutral logic (Topaloglou, 2021).…”

“…The fact that persistent challenges are resistant to traditional policies, have raised the questions of systemic, integrated, and coherent policy responses which involve a just and efficient governance of the transition process (Loorbach, 2007;Petrakos, Topaloglou, Anagnostou, & Cupcea, 2021;Topaloglou, 2020Topaloglou, , 2021. In particular, a research gap is identified in the interplay between environmental pressure, technological novelties, societal structure, administrative setting, and economic resilience of a given region, which defines, to a certain extent, the intensity of transformations (Kemp, Loorbach, & Rotmans, 2007;Loorbach, 2007;Rotmans, Kemp, & Asselt, 2001;Voss, Smith, & Grin, 2009).…”

Challenges and Opportunities of Coal Phase-Out in Western Macedonia

“…The measures described in the Just transition plan offer an opportunity for the diversification of the regional economy [35,36]. There is a high interest in clean energy investment in the region as outlined in the post-lignite Master Plan and the plans for installing PV plants, battery capacities and hydrogen production facilities.…”