Why should the youth of lignite regions – and especially of Western Macedonia – be concerned about the Just Transition and the opportunities it creates? This question was answered by The Green Tank’s policy associate Ioanna Theodosiou in a Q&A for free press magazine “Together” of Kozani.
The article explains the “who, where, how, when and why” of the available financial tools of the Just Transition Special Authority (EYDAM), which can be used by young people in lignite regions to shape their professional prospects and stay in their local area.
In summary, depending on the respective call published by the Just Transition Development Programme (JTDP) 2021 -2027, the available resources concern different categories of beneficiaries. In turn, they can use the available funds for setting up SMEs, training and upgrading skills, investing in sustainable employment sectors and more.
The delays in making the funds available, especially for youth, is a thorny issue, as well as the lack of information and awareness of young people about JTDP programmes.
For this reason, among other things, the creation of a Youth Council for Just Transition is a proposed solution to support and organize young people to actively participate in shaping transition planning and access the available resources.
Finally, the article highlights the value of youth participation in just transition, as young people are the key to the social and economic regeneration of lignite areas. The Just Transition cannot be achieved without the active and institutionalized participation of the youth in all its phases.
This article was published on Wednesday 15 October 2024 and is available in Greek here. The interview was conducted on the occasion of the event “Young people in the New Era – A meeting for the youth” held in Kozani on Wednesday 16 October by EYDAM, with the support of The Green Tank, the Onassis Foundation Scholars Association and the University of Western Macedonia.
