The first open dialogue focusing on youth residing in just transition regions and their future in the post-lignite era, was organized by the Just Transition Special Authority (EYDAM) on 16 and 23 October 2024 in Kozani and Tripoli, respectively. The idea emerged during discussions between EYDAM and the Green Tank on the progress of the Just Transition and the dissemination of its benefits to local communities.
These events’ purpose was twofold. Firstly, they aimed at informing youth (aged 16 to 35 years) regarding both the opportunities created by the Just Transition and the policies being developed. Secondly, they provided a platform for youth to express their thoughts on participating in the transition, as well as their needs in order to stay and do business in their home regions.
The youth welcomed EYDAM’s initiative and a constructive discussion ensued both among the young people themselves and with the guest speakers, highlighting -in some cases- young people’s optimism regarding their role in the post-lignite era and -in other cases- their strong criticism and uncertainty regarding the future.
Two points were mutually expressed: firstly, the need for continuous information on the transition and the actions being launched, and secondly, the need to allocate the transition resources (from both the Just Transition Development Program PDAM 2021-2027 and national funds) specifically intended for youth entrepreneurship. Specifically, youth recommended the following:
- a long-term youth strategy should be formulated, with the active participation of youth in its preparation; this strategic plan should aim at creating jobs; preventing youth flight; and boosting the implementation of innovative initiatives.
- additional events of an informative nature should be organized; information regarding transition-related actions and programs should be further disseminated.
- a dedicated online space should be created to bring together all youth-related programs, ensuring easy access and transparency.
- youth mentoring programs should be established in order to provide youth with the skills to use resources and implement their entrepreneurial ideas.
- youth entrepreneurship programs should take into account youth’s needs and capabilities; reduced bureaucracy and more favorable rules would promote young individuals’ interest and participation.
Following the two Youth Summits, in April 2025, the Alternate Minister of National Economy and Finance announced that the upcoming calls of the PDAM 2021-2027 will include a distinct call aimed at strengthening youth entrepreneurship; the latter will amount to €10 million, with the Public Employment Service (DYPA) as beneficiary. This call is expected to be specified and issued shortly, so as to provide youth in transition regions with the necessary resources to implement their entrepreneurial ideas.
You can read more about the Youth Summits here.
