The lignite phase out by 2023 and the recent announcement of the European Commission’s proposal for the new Just Transition Mechanism create a new, challenging situation for Western Macedonia, whose local economy remains dependent on the lignite activity.
Nikos Mantzaris spoke about the developments on Just Transition issues at the EU level in an event organized by WWF Greece in Kozani on Thursday 30 January 2019.
He then expressed his thoughts and concerns to the Kozani flash TV station regarding the new Just Transition Mechanism as well as the transformation of the regional economy of Western Macedonia towards a sustainable direction.
He also participated in an open debate on the transition of Western Macedonia to the post-lignite era organized by the municipal group “Kozani, a place to live” with the participation of group members as well as many citizens and local stakeholders.
Earlier he visited Anargyroi, the lignite village that was almost destroyed by the landslide of the Amyntaio mine in June 2017.
You can see the interview on Flash TV here:
You can read the coverage on the WWF event here
You can read the coverage of the debate on Just Transition here
